Game of Love - 15. Chapter 15: The sad news hit the Alvarados. How will Sergio take it?

“Hey!” Came a sweet voice early morning making Sergio moan while pulling the covers further up.

“Babe!” He chuckled, pulling the blanket off, leaving the man who was just in his boxer briefs bare. “Get up, it’s morning already.”

“Just a minute, my love.” Sergio groaned, turning on the other side.

“No!” Eric chuckled, patting on his husband’s butt. “You’re gonna be late.”

Before Sergio could say anything, the whole room lit up as Eric had just opened the curtains. He covered his eyes, groaning like a kid.

“Tell them I am not feeling well.” He sighed.

“No way,” Eric laughed. “You’re getting up or… you won’t get any kiss from me today. I am leaving!”

Sergio quickly rose from the bed and rushed to Eric, wrapping an arm around him. He quickly turned him, staring deep into his beautiful eyes. God, he was gorgeous and that morning, he looked so sexy that Sergio’s feelings started stirring, preying on him.

“Hmmm…” He moaned, bringing the boy closer to him that their lips rubbed on each other’s. “Are you challenging me, my darling husband? You know I don’t like to be challenged. I can kiss you right now.”

He tried to kiss Eric but the boy blocked him with his hand.

“That was a promise, Mr. Alvarado.” He teased, wrapping his arms tightly around Sergio’s neck. “I know my husband is not a lazy guy. He’s gonna go to his office, work as hard as he always does and then come back home to meet the surprise I will set for him.”

Sergio laughed, biting his lip. “Wow! Another surprise tonight? I am yet to recover from your surprise last night. In fact, with the way you’re looking right now, I am being tempted to take you again.”

Eric laughed, flipping his hair in a way that totally seduced his husband. Sergio quickly wrapped his arms around Eric’s waist and flipped him. Before Eric knew it, he was lying on his back with his husband on top of him.

“Now you’ve done it, my dear sweet husband.” Sergio moaned as he took Eric’s lips in the sweetest of kisses.

In that kiss was the sweetness of passion, a million loving thoughts condensed into a moment. Eric couldn’t resist it. He moaned into the kiss which only turned his husband even more. After what felt like forever, they broke the kiss for the much-needed air, smiling and chuckling.

“I thought someone didn’t need this.” Sergio teased, licking his lips like a hungry man.

Eric smiled brightly, rubbing on his husband’s lips. “I just realized that time may not be with us, Sergio. I may not stay with you forever and that is why I decided to cherish this moment.”

“What are you talking about, my love?” Sergio laughed, placing a kiss on those tender lips. “We just got married. We’ve got plenty of time to spend with each other, our kids and possibly our grandkids. You and I will grow old together, I promise.”

Eric chuckled as tears welled up. “Sometimes what we wish for isn’t always what happens, Sergio. I love you so much and I will always do. Promise me that you’ll be strong, my love. Promise me.”

“What?” Sergio was confused. “What are you talking about? You’re here with me and….”

“I am sorry.” He quickly rubbed his tears, getting up from the bed.

That was when Sergio saw it, the blood on Eric’s hand. It was a lot and he began panicking when he saw how bloody his husband looked. The fear sat on him like a pillow over his mouth and nose. His palms became sweaty and the adrenaline coursing through his system was shutting down his ability to think logically.

“I love you!”

*

“Eric!” Sergio screamed, rising from the bed like he was lying on hot coals.

He was breathing like a tornado was going on in his system. Adrenaline immediately flooded his system like it’s on an intravenous drip- right into his blood at full pelt.

He quickly moved his eyes to the side of the bed Eric had been sleeping and realized that he wasn’t there. He became clammy and there was the glisten of cold sweat.

“Eric!” He called loudly as he scanned the whole room to see if he could spot him. “Baby? Are you in here? Eric?”

But there was no answer. He quickly slipped on a vest and black trousers and rushed to the bathroom. To his surprise, Eric wasn’t there. He got worried and decided to call him. But he realized that his phone was in the room. That meant that Eric was still in the house.

He rushed downstairs to look for him.

“Eric!” He shouted throughout the house. “Eric! Baby, where are you?”

But there was no one replying to him. He got very worried, especially because of the terrible dream he had. It was only 8 in the morning and if Eric had gone somewhere, Sergio was sure that he would have told him. Besides, he wouldn’t have left his phone.

“Eric?”

“Sergio?” Adrianna came into the living room in her joggers looking worried. “What’s wrong? Why do you look worried?”

“Adrianna, thank God you’re here.” He rushed to her. “Have you seen Eric this morning?”

“Eric?” She frowned. “No! The last time I saw him was last night. Why? What happened?”

Sergio gripped his hair, taking a deep breath. “He’s not in the house. I didn’t find him this morning. Where could he have gone?”

“Come on,” Adrianna smiled, rubbing on her brother’s shoulder. “You don’t have to worry about him. He probably just left early for work. A businessman like him is bound to be very busy from time to time.”

“Without waking me up?” Sergio shook his head. “And besides, no matter how urgent it was, he wouldn’t have left without his phone.”

“I understand you, bro. You’re newly-wed and it is natural to always want your groom with you. Don’t worry about anything. He’ll be back.”

Sergio sighed gloomily. “You’re probably right.”

“I am right.”

She took her brother’s hand, smiled brightly, and started leading him to the living room. As they were going, they saw Kim coming down the stairs, busy on her phone. She was dressed beautifully in a black designer’s dress with red high heels on her feet and her hair tied in a messy bun. She looked amazing but both her kids wondered where she was going.

“Mom!” Adrianna muttered.

Kim raised her head, staring at her kids. Her heart melted when she saw them, especially her son. Her heart was hammering but she kept her gait causal with no hint of hesitation. She had no idea how what she had found out or what she had done was gonna affect her kids but all she knew was that she loved them so much.

No matter what, she couldn’t allow them to find out the truth. As it was, her relationship with her son wasn’t at its best. Any slight mistake was gonna make her lose her son. Kim rushed to her kids and wrapped them in her arms, kissing both of them.

“Mom?” Adrianna couldn’t mask the shock in her voice. “Are you okay? What’s wrong with you this morning.”

“Nothing!” She sighed, holding them tighter. “I just realized that I love you so much, both of you. I can’t afford to lose the both of you.”

“What?” Sergio gasped, frowning. “What are you talking about? You’re not going to lose any of us. We’re right here with you, mom, and nothing will ever separate us from you.”

Kim pulled away from the hug and she couldn’t hide the tears welling in her eyes.

“You have no idea how it feels to hear that from you, Sergio. Lately, I have been feeling like you’ve grown so distant from me and it just makes me scared. I cannot afford to lose you because I love you so much, son!”

“I love you too, mom.” The smile Sergio gave her was heart-warming. “Just because I am with Eric doesn’t mean that I will leave you. I love Eric so much and I just wish that you could give him a chance. That would make the happiest person alive because I would have all the people I love so much with me.”

Kim smiled sheepishly. ‘You might be saying that. But how will you act when you find out that I am not your mother? I am afraid that I might lose you, worse, Adrianna might also leave me.’

“Eric is a very good boy, mommy.” He took her hands and kissed them. “If you just give him a chance, you’ll see what Adrianna and I see. I agree that our marriage was rushed and I might have hurt you in the process but I didn’t mean to. I was just chasing my happiness.”

Kim smiled and then kissed her son, holding him tightly. But before they broke the hug, Sergio’s phone started vibrating and he quickly pulled away from her. It was just a number that he didn’t recognize and without wasting any time, he quickly answered.

“Hey, Eric, I’ve been looking for you and…”

But he didn’t even finish his sentence before he went quiet and froze where he stood. He was quiet for several seconds.

“Alright, I will be there. Thank you!”

He cut the call and looked at his family worriedly.

“Sergio?”

“It was the inspector. A car registered in my name was involved in an accident and I am needed.”

“What?” Kim gasped, shaking her head. “How? And who was driving it?”

“I don’t know. But I have to go there right now.”

“We’re coming with you,” Adrianna said abruptly.

They didn’t waste any more time and they rushed out of the house like the hounds of hell were after them.

***

“Inspector!” Sergio hollered as soon as he saw the man talking to one of his officers.

The inspector wasn’t that old. He was probably in his late thirties and very handsome and quite muscular. He was putting on just ordinary clothes. When he saw Sergio, he dismissed the man he was talking to and walked to Sergio and his family.

“Welcome, Mr. Alvarado.” He said with a sigh, powerfully shaking his hand.

“I came as soon as you called,” Sergio said abruptly. “You got me worried. I hope everything is okay.”

The inspector remained quiet for a few seconds before taking a deep breath. That breath got Sergio nervous and he felt his hair move on his head.

“I believe there’s a car missing in your garage, Mr. Alvarado?” Sergio nodded, a frown appearing on his face. “We found it and it was involved in an accident.”

“Yeah, there’s a car missing.” Sergio nodded. “My favorite car. We used my mom’s car to get here. Is there any problem? And is the driver okay?”

The inspector took a deep breath again. “Mr. Alvarado, first of all, your car was damaged and there is something else I couldn’t tell you on the phone.”

Sergio glanced at his sister and he saw fear in her eyes. “What’s that, inspector?”

“Please, come with me.”

Sergio nodded and followed him. He was led to a small room and once he entered there, he froze on the doorway, feeling like someone had just paused him. His heart stopped beating for a second and he felt cold suddenly. He looked at the inspector and at the surprise, he found in that room, a body bag placed on the table. He didn’t even realize he had been staring at the table for a straight hour.

“Mr. Alvarado, I mentioned that your car was destroyed but what I didn’t tell you is that there was a body in that car.” He sighed, patting his shoulder. “By the time we got to it, the body was badly burnt and there was nothing we could do about it.”

“Oh my God!” Kim gasped, covering her mouth in shock. “A body? Oh, God!”

“Yes, Mrs. Alvarado.” The inspector continued. “There was a body in the car. And unfortunately, the man in there couldn’t make it. I am so sorry.”

Sergio slowly walked inside, feeling like each step he took made him breathless. He didn’t know what to say or which of his workers had met such a horrible death. He finally reached the body bag and just stood there, staring at it without even blinking.

“I am sorry, Mr. Alvarado, we were unable to identify the body. However, we found a few personal belongings and we were hoping they may help identify the body. The inspector handed a small transparent bag to Sergio.

Sergio took the bag without even looking at it. However, when he laid his eyes there, he felt the paralyzing hurt spread through his body like icy, liquid metal. He didn’t know what happened next but his mind started failing, like an engine that turns over and over, never kicking into action. He couldn’t formulate a thought and he thought his body shut down.

‘We may not be together forever!’ A voice went through his head. ‘Time may not be with us. I love you so much, Sergio!’

He stood there, tears pricking his eyes, pale hands trembling with fear. He was trying to block out the screams, but now it was impossible, the noise ripping his heart. He could feel the hot liquid going down his cheeks but couldn’t realize that he was crying.

He couldn’t believe what he was holding, an expensive diamond ring and a beautiful golden chain. He could remember those anywhere. They were his husband’s. They were his Eric’s.

He tried to open his mouth but only sharp gasps came out. The pain he felt was like a knife being twisted in his spine. It shot up fast, erasing every thought from his head and paralyzing his body. Apparently, he screamed, but couldn’t even hear it. He dropped to his knees and began trembling like a leaf.

“Sergio?”

Kim and Adrianna rushed to him and held him tighter, wondering what’s wrong with him. He was shaking so much that the both of them thought he was having a convulsion. They got really worried.

“Sergio, baby? Are you okay?” Kim asked, shaking him. “Baby?”

But he only looked at her and said, ‘Eric,’ in a voice that was barely above a whisper.

“Eric?” Adrianna frowned. “What are you?”

But she didn’t even finish her sentence when she saw what Sergio was holding and immediately recognized it as Eric’s belongings.

“Oh God, no!” Adrianna gasped, covering her mouth. “Eric, please, tell me this is a joke? No!” She screamed at the top of her voice. “No!”

Kim stood there shocked, failing to understand what was going on. She knew from the expression of her children that something bad had happened to Eric. She knew he was the one involved in the accident but she couldn’t believe he was dead.

“Inspector, what happened?” She asked, taking a deep breath. “What are you telling us?”

“It’s what we found, ma’am, and I am so sorry for this.” He apologized, taking a deep breath. “The car went off a slope and it flipped several times. By the time we got there, there were flames and we couldn’t do anything to save him.”

“Where did this happen?”

“On the outskirts of town.” He said softly.

Kim’s heart twisted and sunk with nerves as she stood there. Her breaths came in sharp pants and she tried to gain control, but nothing was working. She tried to breathe calmly, but every time she did, the inspector’s words rang through her.

She didn’t even realize that there were tears in her eyes that started going down her cheek. Fuck, could he have followed her when she had gone to meet her blackmailer, she thought? She looked at her son and her entire strength left her. She didn’t know what to do or say.

A minute might have passed before suddenly, the door to the room opened and there was a deafening scream that got Sergio out of his shock. He quickly raised his head and found Laurel running towards them with her face covered in tears.

“My son!” Laurel wailed as she dropped to her knees, touching the body bag. “No!, Eric, you can’t die now. You can’t leave me. Please, you can’t be dead, Eric.”

She quickly rose and unzipped the bag. When she saw how badly the body was burnt, she cried as death had just come for her. She was about to fall to the floor when Sergio held her in his arms. She was shaking terribly that it scared him.

“Sergio, my son, my beautiful son.”

Laurel lay on Sergio’s chest, her face closed in a grimace, skin pale and clammy. Each second, she would scream like she was being tortured. It had a raw quality, the realness of a person consumed by a pain that knew no end or limit. Then she would go quiet, just panting. Sergio knew the pain she was passing through because he was going through the same pain.

“My son, no….”

“Mother, please, stop crying,” Sergio assured, capping her face. “You don’t have to cry. I know that my Eric is not dead. That body doesn’t belong to my Eric, mother. I know my Eric is still alive. I refuse to believe that Eric is still alive.”

“Sergio!” She sobbed uncontrollably. “My son. My son is… is dead. My Eric, my… my baby is gone. What am I going to do? How am I going to… to live without my son?”

“He’s not dead,” Sergio said, a little bit harshly. “That’s not Eric there.”

He angrily moved to the inspector and gripped him by the collar.

“That’s not my husband lying there.” He seethed. “Find my Eric right now, inspector. That’s not my husband.”

“Mr. Alvarado, please, calm down. I know this is hard for you to accept and I completely understand.”

“What the hell are you saying?” He gripped even harder. “What the hell? Shut up! That’s not my husband there, do you understand?”

“Sergio?” Kim called weakly, holding her son’s arm. “Stop it, my son. I know that this is hard to accept but…”

“No!” He yelled, breathing like a predator. “Don’t say it!” He warned, pointing angrily at her. “Don’t you dare say it? My Eric is still alive.”

“I know how this feels, I do. But… but Eric is not here.” She sobbed softly. “Eric is gone.”

Sergio shook his head, staring at Laurel who was being held tightly by his sister. Both of them were in tears. He tried to say something but couldn’t find his voice. He made a quick turn and stormed out of there like the hounds of hell were after him.

“Son? Sergio?”

Kim ran after him but it was too late. She couldn’t catch up with him. When she was getting out of the building, Sergio was driving out of there like a mad man.

“Sergio? Sergio?”

But all he did was ignore her. She stood there, watching as he drove off, getting worried and scared. She knew in his state, something terrible could happen or he would do something very stupid. She was very worried.

“Sergio, please, come back, my son.” She sobbed. “Please, don’t do anything stupid. Sergio?”

Kim stood there for what seemed like forever. She couldn’t bear to go back inside because she felt guilty and restless. If Eric had followed her early that morning, it meant that she was the cause of it. She couldn’t face her daughter so she just remained standing there.

Suddenly, Kim heard a voice, a familiar voice right behind.

“Congratulations, Kimberly on your victory.”

She quickly turned and got the shock of her life when she found Giada with Jayden right in front of her. Both of them were wearing evil grins on their faces. She couldn’t even understand how they had come to know if what had happened.

“I am so happy for you, Kim.” Giada chuckled like an evil queen, putting her hands together. “You’ve finally managed to get your son back after losing him for quite a while. Although I feel really bad for your son…” She rubbed her fake tears, chirping. “…he’s become a widower at such a young age. My condolences go to him.”

“What are you doing here?” Kim asked harshly. “And how did you even…”

“Oh, come off it, Kim.” Giada shrugged. “Is that any way to treat your well-wishers? We’re friends, remember? I am only here to comfort you and congratulate you on your victory, our victory.” She moaned. “You’ve got your son back and I just won a war. Doesn’t that call for a celebration? Come on, we…”

“Don’t touch me. I never wanted this.” She said with tears following. “I hated Eric but I never wished him dead, not once. I wanted him out of our lives but not death. And my son…”

“Come on, Kim!” Jayden said hoarsely. “Both of us know that you’re not a saint. In fact, you’re just as guilty for the death of Eric. I have to thank you for that. Without your call last night, we wouldn’t have had this beautiful news.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ve got no idea?” Giada gasped in mock astonishment. “Dear Eric followed you. He heard everything we discussed and today we would have probably have lost to him. But one of my men spotted him and he made my job easier. The rest is history.”

Kim’s eyes welled up and tears streak down her face, her lips trembling like she was locked in a freezer. She began panting as fear started getting the best of her.

“Oh my God!”

“I am here to thank you, Kim.” Jayden sighed. “You made everything possible. Both of us are happy in the end. Eric is dead and there will be no thorn in our flesh. Your secret will be kept secret and your son won’t leave you. It’s a win-win for all of us.”

Kim dropped to her knees and sobbed. Even though she didn’t kill him, she was just as guilty as Giada and Jayden. She was the cause of Eric’s horrible death and her son’s grief.

What was she going to do?

***

“Now hold your groom’s hand and take these flowers.” The priest said with a smile on his face.

Sergio took Eric’s hand and happiness streaked through him like a comet. And when he saw the grin on Eric’s face, he felt dizzy with excitement. Nothing could compare to that moment. The priest placed a beautiful flower on their hands.

“The first vow of your marriage.”

“I promise to love you and for our love to bloom like a flower,” Eric said with a voice filled with such assurance. Sergio couldn’t help but tear up.

“As shall I.”

The priest chuckled and took the flower, placing it in a bowl of milk.

He then gave them a pot of water which they started pouring on the holy ground.

“As pure as this water we pour on the holy ground of this temple, and God as my witness, my love for you shall you be pure,” Eric said happily.

“I shall love you and respect you, protect you always,” Sergio added. “I shall never leave your side no matter the situation.”

“I promise to be your companion, your friend, your lover, and most importantly, your comforter. I’ll never leave you alone.”

“We shall face the trials of this world and the test of time together.”

“Till death do us apart….”

***

Sergio dropped to his knees, crying like a baby that hadn’t been breastfed for days. His eyes were focused on the statue that was in front of him, a statue that was said to bring hope to people when hopeless and happiness when sad. He was in the temple, the same place that he had married Eric in.

“People say that God makes a delay but finally rids you from the darkness.” He sucked in a sharp breath at the pain. “However, delay and darkness are both present over here. What wrong did I do that you had to punish me in this manner? Why did you take Eric away from me a month after we united in this same place? The priest confirmed that our lives, our marriage was gonna be a long one. Surely, there were bound to be forces trying to separate us but we’d overcome them. Then why?”

The grief surged with every expelled breath, always reaching higher peaks, never sufficiently soothed by his long takes of the cool air in that place. Tears began to spill from his helpless eyes onto the floor where he knelt.

“A month ago, I had taken the toughest decision of my family.” He was shaking from the torment. “I went against my mother and most of the people to marry the boy I loved. You had assured me that I should follow my heart. The path shown by you can never be wrong. I refuse to believe that the boy I have been destined to spend my entire life with is dead. I refuse to believe that he is no longer with me.”

His voice started rising and rage overtook him. “I have always thought you never but you lied to me. You told me that I shall live a happy life with him. That’s why today I came to get answers from you. I’ll not leave this place until you answer me.”

He was staring at the statue that didn’t seem to move.

“I know he is alive. I can feel it in my heart that he is alive because… because…” He couldn’t hold it anymore. He broke down and started crying again. “…because I am still alive. I know it because my heart is still beating.”

He lay on the ground and continued crying. “All I need is just assurance that he is still alive. I don’t want anything from you. Nothing! Just assure me that he is safe, that the body I saw isn’t is. Please!”

But although he cried for what seemed like hours, he didn’t get the assurance that he needed. The statue neither moved nor spoke it. But he didn’t give up hope that Eric was still alive. He just cried and cried.

***

A beautiful, large portrait of Eric was displayed in front on top of a table covered with white clothe and filled with flowers. He was looking very beautiful with a smile on his face. The entire house was quiet and it felt lonely.

Everyone that had come to the funeral home was seated on a white cloth on the floor, facing the portrait. Most of them were in tears and they were all dressed in white attires as per tradition and custom. The funeral was held at Kim’s house and there were quite several people in attendance.

Laurel was seated close to her son’s portrait, staring at it like she was expecting him to come back. She was being held by Adrianna who was equally staring at the portrait. Laurel’s eyes were blood red and although she wasn’t crying, the tears that had decorated her face were able to speak of the pain that she was going through. Both Douglas and Derrick were equally inconsolable because they had lost someone that they loved so much.

“Steve, were you able to contact him?” Kim asked, gripping her hair. “I am worried about my son? He’s not been home since he left the morgue yesterday. What if something happened to him?”

“I am sure he’s okay. Put yourself in his shoes, ma’am.” He sighed. “He just lost someone he loved so much in just a blink of an eye. Sergio loved Eric so much.” He said softly, rubbing his tears.

“I know that, but I am a mother.” She didn’t wanna raise her voice because she was mourning too. “I am only worried about my son.”

“I understand. But I know Sergio. He’s alive and well.” He said, staring at the portrait. “You should thank God he is alive. Only God knows what Aunt Laurel is going through. I’ll try again right away.”

Kim glanced at Laurel and she felt like someone had just stabbed her in the heart. She was the cause of another mother’s pain. Her past had caused all the pains her family was going through.”

She was about to say something when suddenly, the door flung open and her son emerged, standing in the doorway, staring straight at the portrait. He was looking messy and dirty but he was looking fine. There was no sign of tears in his eyes. His hands were clenched and he looked mad rather than sad.

He slowly started going inside the house, getting the attention of most of the people. Kim wanted to run to him but she couldn’t find the strength to. She knew he knew how she felt about Eric and was gonna blush her off like a leaf if she said anything. So, she remained standing there.

Sergio walked slowly to the front and the closer he got, the more fury vibrated through his being. It twisted inside of him that he began quivering. He felt like he was placed in a pot of anger and it was all diffusing through him.

“Who did this?” He roared, sounding like a storm. “Who placed Eric’s picture there? Who?” He snapped.

Everyone got scared and they began staring at him. It was like he was going insane.

“Sergio?” Steve rushed to him, gripping his arm. But he shrugged it off. “What are you doing? This is Eric’s funeral?”

“Eric’s funeral?” He barked, pushing his friend furiously. “And who started this nonsense? Who gave you the idea that my Eric is dead? Who arranged this funeral?”

“Son?” Kim rushed to him with tears in her eyes. She cupped his cheeks, shaking her head. “I know that this hurts a lot. And I know that you loved Eric so much. But he’s gone, my love. Eric is dead. Please, sit down and bid him farewell. Please!”

“Don’t say that!” He warned, getting away from her. “My Eric is not dead. All this is nonsense.”

He rushed to the front and threw away everything that was there, including Eric’s portrait which broke to pieces. Everyone there got up, staring at him like he was going insane. By the time he was done, the whole place was scattered.

“Sergio, what are you doing?” Douglas couldn’t hold himself anymore. “Have you gone nuts? Why are you doing this?” He asked with tears following. “Why are you hurting us like we’re not already hurt. We didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye to our son when he was still alive and now you’re robbing us the chance to pay our last respects to him?”

Sergio was silent. He just looked at his father-in-law without uttering a word.

“I know that this must be too much for you but have pity on us.” He put his hands together. “If not for anyone, for the sake of Laurel. She’s in so much pain already.”

Sergio glanced at Laurel and his heart broke. He rushed to her, held her hands, and knelt in front of her. Laurel wailed like a baby.

“Mother, please, don’t.” He shook his head. “I don’t want you to cry because it is not time for you to do so. I promise that I will bring back your son, alive. I will bring him back to you unhurt and unharmed. I swear this to you.”

Laurel cried, even more, when she heard that because she knew there was no way her son was returning to her. He was gone.

“Please, believe me. I promised I would take of Eric and protect him. I am not going back on that. I will find Eric and bring him home.”

“What are you doing, Sergio?” Kim gasped. “I know that you’re still holding on to the hope that Eric is still alive. But is it fair that you’re giving fake hope to a mother who just lost her child? Why would you give Laurel hope that her son is still alive when…”

“He’s alive!” He snapped, breathing harshly. “Eric is alive.”

“How would you know that?”

“Because I am still alive!” He seethed. “If Eric is dead, my heart would have stopped beating long ago. My heart beats for Eric. Believe me, mother.” He cupped her cheeks and rubbed her tears. “Eric is still alive. I know he’s somewhere but he is alive. I will bring him to you. I promise.”

Laurel just cried. She couldn’t still hold on to the hope that her son was still alive.

“Father, please…” He put his hands together. “…I may seem crazy but your son is very much alive. I want you to trust me and believe what I am telling you. I won’t stop until I bring him back home.”

“Sergio…”

“Derrick, please, believe me. Take mother inside to rest.” He pleaded. “Please, don’t worry.”

Derrick nodded and rubbed his tears. He slowly held Laurel who was walking like she had no legs. He helped her upstairs to a room where he could rest, together with Douglas. They had been through a lot.

Sergio sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

“What are you doing?” Kim snarled, gripping his arm angrily. “This nonsense has gone far too long. Eric is dead and he is not coming back. The sooner you accept that, the better it will be for the rest of us.”

“My love is not that weak, mom!” Sergio chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. “My love is stronger than anything. And I believe in the love that Eric and I share. We’ll grow old together and we’ll raise a=our children together.”

“Serg…”

“Mom, please!” He dismissed her rudely. Then he looked at the people that had come to mourn. “I am so sorry for this but I am gonna have to ask you to leave. Eric is not dead and I am gonna find him. Thanks a lot for caring.”

The people didn’t waste any time before they started leaving. In just less than a minute, they all cleared the room. Sergio rushed to his sister who was teary and held her tight, kissing her forehead severally. She broke down in his arms.

“What if he’s gone, Sergio?” She mourned. “What if he’s never coming back? What if…”

“Don’t worry, Adrianna.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “I will bring him back to you. I won’t stop until I find him. I promise.”

Adrianna nodded and held her brother tightly. Steve and Kim watched as Sergio put fake hope in his sister knowing that Eric was gone. But they couldn’t do a thing because they didn’t wanna upset Sergio.

Suddenly, the door flung open like a storm had just broken down and the living room was filled with cold air. Kim quickly glanced to the entrance and her body instantly went limp. She breathed in and out but air wouldn’t enter her lungs. Starved for air, her heart raced at tremendous speeds, and her lungs shallowly rose and fell in time.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she stood a step back, trying to walk away from the storm. But she couldn’t do it. He was right there in front of her, staring into her eyes with that evil grin she remembered the night she saw him. Jayden was coming towards her and he had a document with him in his hands.

“My condolences to you, and the family.” The man spoke, but his eyes were locked on Kimberly. “I am sorry for your loss.”

‘What is he doing here?’ Kim thought as she tried to contain herself. ‘Is he here to destroy me as he said? I thought he agreed not to do that.’

“I am sorry, sir.” Steve apologized. “The funeral just ended for family purposes. You’re gonna have to leave. Very sorry.”

“That’s completely understood.” Came a voice, a familiar voice. “But you see, this man here is not just an ordinary person. He’s a very important part of this family.”

Giada emerged, looking like a goddess of seduction. She was dressed in a white dress that made her look like a seductress with her hair made in curls. She was looking like she was going to a fashion show with the highest heels anybody had ever seen on her.

Seeing her, Sergio lost. He felt like someone had given him a huge blow.

“What the hell are you doing here?” He snapped, angrily moving towards her. “Get out of here before I throw you…”

“Oh, calm down, Sergio. I came here to pay my respects just like everyone else here.” She raised her arms like she was surrendering. “And I have every right to be here because I have got something important that I have to say.”

“You can shove it down your throat. Get out of here. And take this man with you. Get out!”

“As I said, I have every right to be here.” Giada chuckled evilly, glancing at Kimberly. “Isn’t that right, Kim? Tell him! Tell your son what’s going on here. He wants to know the truth.”

Kim was so scared. She knew it was dumb to be scared at that time, but she couldn’t help it.

“Son, they are no one important. Giada wanted my help so I… I…” She stuttered, a tear going down her cheeks. “….Giada, can we please talk outside? As you can see, my son is not in his right state of mind.”

Giada shook her head. “No, Kim. Not today. Jayden has waited for this moment for so many years. He is getting his right after ages. How long will he stay away from his rights and this house? How long will the truth remain hidden?”

“Truth?” Sergio frowned. He was getting confused. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“It will all be clear to you.” Giada chuckled, folding her arms on her chest. “You’re gonna know exactly what I am talking about.”

“Aunt Giada, what’s this?” Steve got upset. “You know that this family is going through a very difficult moment. Why did you come to add more to that?”

“I know that.” Giada seethed. “But there are more pressing matters that couldn’t wait. You see this man standing here,” She chuckled victoriously. “His name is Jayden Alvarado and he is the owner of this house.”

Sergio’s heart gave a sharp pound as a sudden cold wave swept through his body. His eyes widened and his fists clenched, staring at the man like he was a ghost. Kim on the other hand just prayed for the ground to open up and swallow her.

“What kind of sick joke is this?” Sergio barked. “Are you never satisfied? What do you want from us? Are you that desperate? Get out of here before I do something that we’ll both regret and…”

“You don’t have to be mad at her. All she’s speaking is the truth. Not only do I own this house. But…” He paused and chuckled. “I also own 60% of all Alvarado wealth, meaning, you’re only left with 40%. And as the biggest shareholder, it means that I am now the owner of all your wealth.”

“What the fuck?” Sergio stamped his foot on the floor, making Kim feel like her heart had stopped beating. “Look, don’t make me angry, because you’ll not like me. Whatever nonsense that woman had fed you…”

“It is not nonsense.” Giada snapped. “It is but the truth. This man here…”

“Stop lying to us!”

Adrianna rubbed her tears and furiously walked to her with the intent to slap her. She furiously raised her hand to slap her but got shocked when Jayden held her hand and threw it away angrily. Luckily, Sergio was just behind her.

“Many years ago, I didn’t raise my hand or my voice.” He said hoarsely, pointing at Adrianna. “You may think of yourself as high and mighty but now I am here to claim my right. I am here to get what belongs to me. I am here to claim my birthright, my father’s wealth!” He screamed in her face.

A tear rushed down Adrianna’s cheek as she gasped, shaking her head.

“Don’t act shocked. I am not making this up.” Jayden chuckled manically. “Your mother knows what I am talking about. This is my father’s house and I lived here long before you did. I was the first Alvarado, his heir. And my mother was his first love, his first wife.”

“What? You’re crazier than I thought.” Sergio laughed. “Mom, tell these people to get out if you don’t wanna see me behind bars. Get them out!”

But Kim was quiet. She couldn’t utter a word. She couldn’t even look at her kids.

“Mom?”

“What can she say?” Jayden yelled, angrily pointing at her. “This woman has always been a liar, a deceiver.”

“Don’t you dare say that about her,” Adrianna yelled? “My mother is neither a liar nor a deceiver. She’s a generous woman and she can never do what you’re accusing her of.”

“Really?” Giada laughed, chirping in mock. “Generous woman indeed. Then why don’t you ask your generous mother who Jayden is? Ask her how he is related to you or your mother. Even better, ask her how she got married to your father. I can answer that for you. It was through lying and deception. This woman…”

“Stop it!” Sergio yelled, breathing harshly. “Stop your drama and get out here before I get you arrested.”

“That’s okay, but before you do that…” Jayden raised the papers he was holding. “…you might wanna check this.”

Sergio’s eyes widened when he looked at the documents, a copy of the power of attorney papers. It was authentic and his mother’s signature was there. He felt his strength leave and he slowly looked at her. She couldn’t even make eye contact with him.

“Are you satisfied now? That’s the proof you need. And I have got these too.” He raised a picture. It was a picture of his father with a woman he held tightly and a young boy that Sergio recognized immediately as Jayden. “I am here to claim my right and nobody here is gonna stop me. Not even you, young brother.”

Sergio felt like someone was twisting a knife in his spine. The pain throbbed in his gut, deep and warm, but not in a nice way. He stared at his mother, hoping she was gonna say something in defense but she didn’t. She just stared at the floor with tears decorating her face. He didn’t need to ask her anything. He got the answer.

“My mother was my father’s legitimate wife and what I have gotten is my right.” He seethed, clenching his fist. “I own everything that belonged to my father, and Giada is my business partner. You don’t have to worry about anything. I wouldn’t throw my siblings out of their house.”

He got closer and rested his hand on Sergio’s shoulder but he shrugged it off.

“Don’t you ever touch me?” He warned. “I am not your brother and I will never be. I don’t have time for your silly games. I have far more important things to do.”

He grabbed his sister’s hand and stormed out of the living room. Kim watched as her children left angrily.

“Poor, poor, Kim!” Giada chirped, rubbing on her shoulders. “You have to save those tears because you’re gonna need them later. Your downfall has just begun and very soon, you’re gonna wish for death and that is a promise.”

“And one thing, you live under my rule now,” Jayden warned. “You have to do everything I ask you or you’ll lose the only thing you’re remaining with, your son’s love. I will bring the secret to light should you ever try being smart.”

They both laughed manically and left her standing there like a statue crying.

‘My selfishness has led to my destruction.’

***

Kim slowly opened the door to her son’s room and she found her children holding each other tightly. Sergio was rubbing on his sister’s shoulders, assuring her that he was gonna find Eric no matter what happened. He was gonna bring him back home.

“Sergio? Adrianna?” She said in a voice barely above a whisper.

Sergio glanced at his mother and simply sighed.

“What are you doing here?”

“I know you’re mad, son. I don’t know how to tell you this, but… but…”

“Look, mom, if I tell you that I am okay then I would be lying.” He said softly. “Eric is missing and the last thing I need right now is drama. I don’t give two hoots about what that man was saying or whatever he presented. Get him out of here. I don’t wanna deal with that because my husband is still missing. That’s the most important thing to me, to find Eric and bring him back home.”

“Sergio…”

“Mom, if you’re gonna tell me to stop searching and that Eric is already dead then you’re wasting your time.” He said harshly. “I love Eric and my love will keep him safe. I am ready to search him even in hell until I bring him back.”

He shook his head angrily and stormed out of the room. Kim remained standing there, staring at her daughter who was obviously in so much pain. She had her arms folded, staring at her mother, shaking her head.

“Adrianna, honey, listen… I know that this is difficulty for you.” She sobbed, rubbing her back. “Eric just died and all this news must be too much for you. Don’t listen to what Giada tells you. I will tell you everything, I promise!”

Adrianna chuckled bitterly. “You must be pretty happy, mom. You must be enjoying all this. I mean, Eric is dead, your greatest enemy and now, you have made a good move by bringing Giada and that man claiming to be my father’s son here. Don’t you know when to give up?”

“Why would I do that?” She asked, shaking her head. “You were downstairs and you heard everything that man said. And why would I be happy that…”

“Why wouldn’t you be happy?” She snapped, furiously rubbing her tears. “You’re not as innocent as you look because, given a chance, you’d have killed Eric.”

“But…”

“Your fake tears don’t work on me, mom.” She raised her hand, pointing her finger at her. “I am not your perfect son, Sergio. I can see through you and I also know that you poisoned Eric a few days back.”

The color drained from Kim’s face and she became white as a sheet. She tried to speak but each time she did, her heart hammered in her chest so much that it took her voice away.

“Yes, Eric told me.” She said with tears following. “Even after finding out about you, he refused to expose you to his husband or his mother. He cared about you and your relationship with your son. Despite knowing that you weren’t gonna accept him, Eric loved and cared about you.”

Kim couldn’t hold her tears.

“But he wasted his time on you. It is your fault that he is not with us today. It is your fault that all this is happening. It is your fault that Sergio is being tormented, all of us are. You’re to blame for all this, mom.”

“I am sorry.” She put her hands together. “I…”

“You have a perfect family, perfect children, and a perfect son-in-law, but what do you always do. You always leave your family for outsiders.”

“No, Adrianna, baby. Please, listen to me…”

“For what? So that you can manipulate me. You’re to blame for what has happened to Eric and no one else. And if I lose two of the people that I love so much mom…” She paused and got closer. “… forget you ever had a daughter named Adrianna.”

She walked past her mother furiously, banging the door behind her. Kim could have sworn that she felt the floor shake. She covered her mouth and just cried. Nothing her daughter had said to her was a lie. She had caused everything and she didn’t know how to make things right.

***

“How are you feeling after your first victory?” Giada asked, standing beside the man who was staring outside the window with a stern look on his face. “You now have 60% of all their wealth.”

Jayden’s breaths quickened as he stared at Giada. “It all feels good, especially the look on Kim’s face when she saw me entering the house. But all this is not enough. I will not be satisfied until I see that woman destroyed. I will only be happy when I see that woman suffering more than she made my mother suffer. She’ll beg for death.”

An evil grin appeared on Giada’s face. “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a man with fire for revenge. The ball is in our court. We can play it however we want to see that we’ve managed to eliminate Eric, the only person who was strong enough to defeat us. Kimberly is no longer on her throne. We call the shots now. You’re the boss of their companies.”

“You never cease to amaze me, Giada.” He chuckled, pointing at her. “I never made a mistake by partnering with you. And now, we rule however we want.”

Giada smiled like a bitch, biting her lower lip like she was trying to seduce Jayden. They raised their glasses and toasted before the room to the door opened and Trevor rushed in, chuckling like he was in ecstasy.

“Wow, mommy!” He rushed to her and kissed her cheeks before he pulled away from her. “Finally, you’ve managed to push through with your plans.”

“Of course, I am Giada Sandoval after all. Whatever I plan, always come to pass.”

All the three of them laughed manically.

“I had no doubts, mommy.” He nodded.

“This house is mine now, ours,” Jayden assured, squeezing Trev’s shoulder. “You can do whatever you want here and pick any room that you want. No one is gonna oppose you.”

A grin appeared on Trev’s face and he seemed to be lost deep in thought. However, his grin kept on brightening.

“There is only one thing that I want. I don’t care about money or authority.” He looked at the two of them. “I am only interested in Sergio. His love is all I am interested in. And that’s why I am here.”

He slowly turned, showing his outfit to his allies. He was wearing a beautiful blue skinny jeans with a see-through red shirt and white sneakers. His hair was curled and then tied in a sexy, seductive ponytail that could get any man he wanted.

“My handsome husband is going through a lot and I…” He paused and bit his lip, moaning sensually. “…I am here to take all that burden away from him. I am here to show him that I love him so much and I am here for him.”

“Oh, honey, Sergio is all yours.”

Trev rubbed his temple, feeling a bit shy.

“Anyway, now that I think about it, I know the perfect room.” He grabbed his mother’s hand and started leading her out of the room. “Come with me. I’ll show you the perfect way to get closer to Sergio.”

Giada went with her son to a room that was nearest to Sergio’s. It was big, beautiful, and well-decorated.

“Isn’t it gorgeous, mother?” He asked, opening his arms. “Not only is it one of the best rooms in the house, but, it is the closest to my Sergio. Not that I plan to stay here for long, it is only until Sergio begs me to move into his room.”

Giada kissed her son’s cheek. “Anything you want, sweetie.”

Trevor laughed, staring at her mother. He had never loved her as much as he did at that time. Suddenly, the door opened, and…”

“What the hell are you doing in my room?”

Both of them turned and found Adrianna rushing towards them like an angry wolf.

“Don’t you have better things to do, Trevor?” She barked. “How many times have I warned you to step into my room?”:

“Don’t be so full of yourself, Adrianna. This room now belongs to me. Got it?” He snapped his fingers in her face.

Adrianna bust into laughter, staring at the mother and son like they had gone nuts.

“Wow! Now, aren’t you delusional?” Then her face got serious. “You must be very stupid and lacking common sense. You stand in my house, in my room, and tell that nonsense to my face?” She scowled. She gripped Trevor’s arm painfully. “Get the hell out of my room before I get crazy. I don’t need to remind you of the person that I am.”

“How dare…”

“It’s okay, mom.” Trevor chimed in, slowly releasing his arm from Adrianna’s grip. “I can handle this.”

He crossed his arms on his chest, getting closer to Adrianna with an orgasmic look on his face.

“In case you haven’t noticed, you’re no longer a princess in this house.” He gave a mocking smile. “Your words or your threats don’t mean shit to me. And you better be careful what you say to me. You’re living in this house under my mercy. If you push me, I’ll do something that you’ll regret for the rest of your life.”

“Your mercy?” Adrianna’s eyes widened in shock. “Wow! And I thought I had seen all your stupidity. I don’t have for the likes of you. Now get that bitch…” She pointed to Giada who gasped in shock. “…and leave my room or else…”

“Or else what?” Rage throbbed in Trevor like a heartbeat. He wasn’t smiling anymore. “What are you gonna do, Miss. Adrianna Alvarado? You’re gonna go cry to your mommy or…”

“Why would I do that when I can handle you myself?”

She thrust her hand to slap him but Trevor’s hand caught her and then gripped her arm painfully. She screamed in pain, feeling like he was crushing her arm from the inside. It hurt like hell.

“You know what, I have had enough of your nonsense.”

With those words, he started dragging her out of the room painfully, ignoring her cries and screams. Giada followed behind, enjoying the way her shown showed Adrianna who was boss. Trevor was enjoying everything and when he started dragging her down the stairs, he saw the maids watching and talking among themselves. No matter how much Adrianna tried to resist, Trevor was just too strong.

“What’s going on?” Kim came running into the living room when she heard the cries. “What are you doing to my daughter? Trevor, leave her alone. What has she done?”

But Trevor was deaf to her pleas. He dragged her to the entrance door and she was in tears.

“What were you saying, Adrianna? I don’t have the power here? I have got all the power and authority here. Don’t think I am weak just because of your brother.”

“Trevor, please, leave her alone.” Kim put her hands together. “You’re hurting her.”

“As I intended.” He chuckled bitterly. “This little brat has messed with me for too long. I don’t want to see her in this house.”

With those words, he threw her towards the door and she started heading for the ground hurriedly. Then suddenly, before she hit the ground, Sergio who had just arrived caught her. She held on tightly to him and started crying like a baby.

Sergio held her in his arms, rubbing on her back to make her calm. But even as he did, his crazy red eyes were only on Trevor who was looking back at him with wide eyes. He hadn’t expected Sergio to see that.

Sergio felt anger ripple through him and resentment blossomed within him. He slowly started getting closer to Trevor with his fists clenching. He was breathing crazily and his entire body was trembling. God, he had never hated someone as much as he hated Trevor.

Trevor felt a shiver go down his spine.

“Sergio, I… I… it’s not what you think. I was just…”

“How dare you lay your filthy hands on my sister, Trevor? Who do you think you are?”

“Sergio, she was…”

“Shut your trap! You come to my house and you’ve got the nerves to touch my sister. Do you have a death wish?”

“I won’t have you talking to my son like that, Sergio,” Giada warned.

“I wasn’t talking to you, ugly bitch!” He roared.

Everyone saw the shock register on Giada’s face. It went blank with confusion like her brain cogs couldn’t turn fast enough to take in the information from her wide eyes. Every muscle of her body just froze and people saw her eye twitch.

“Come to think of it, what are you doing here? Who the hell invited you?”

“They do not need any invitation,” Jayden said harshly as he moved closer to the door, slipping his hand in his pocket. “This is my house and they’ve got more rights to be here than any of you.”

Sergio’s heart pounded so hard in his chest when he saw Jayden. He let go of Adrianna and started going closer to him.

“I didn’t say anything when you brought your ugly face here, but this joke has gone far enough.” He was breathing like an ancient warrior. “Who are you and what do you want here? Do you think I am joking?”

“You can say whatever you want. But I am the owner of this house. It is my birthright….”

“Birthright, my ass!” He spurt. “I don’t think my father would ever give birth to a goblin-like you. Get the fuck out of here!”

Jayden felt like someone had poured anger on him. He groaned and thrust his hand, giving Sergio a very dirty slap. The slap was as loud as a clap and it felt like Sergio’s cheek had been stung with a hot rod. He dropped his head and felt a wave of anger, unlike anything he had felt before taking ahold of him.

When he raised his face and saw Jayden there, he felt like murdering him. His chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. He pumped his fists and didn’t even realize he was getting closer to the man. He wanted to cry as rage filled his belly. He felt his ears get hot.

He glared at him and then spat out, “How dare you?”

Jayden glared back at Sergio with hatred in his cruel dull eyes. There was gonna be a war and he was gonna murder someone.

Just as Sergio was about to swing his fist through the air, Kim came in front of him with her arms open. She was staring at her son with tears in her eyes, shaking her head.

“Sergio, please, don’t do this.” She pleaded. “My son, please, for my sake. Please!”

Sergio looked at his mother angrily and then at Jayden before he groaned angrily and stormed out of there like the hounds of hell were after him. Adrianna followed him and Kim did after a few seconds.

“This boy is becoming a thorn in my flesh.” Jayden slammed his hand on the wall, his jaw shaking uncontrollably. “It’s time I gave him a taste of my venom.”

“Don’t even think about it!” Trevor huffed, blocking Jayden’s way. “Don’t even think about harming Sergio or doing anything to him. If you lay even a finger on him, you’ll have me as an enemy. And trust me, I am the last person you want as your enemy right now.”

“What? Didn’t you see what happened? You want me to leave it lying like that?”

“You can do whatever you want to whoever you want. Leave Sergio to me! Sergio is mine and no one should interfere in our matters. Am I clear?”

He made a quick turn and hissed before he rushed upstairs.

“Did you see that?”

“I am so sorry, Jayden. The thing is that my son is very much in love with Sergio. He just…”

“I don’t give a hoot about it. Talk to him because he poses as a problem or an obstacle, I don’t need to remind you what I am gonna do to him.”

“There’s no need for that. I’ll talk to Trev. He’ll understand.”

Jayden left from there, leaving Giada even more confused. She was in a dilemma and didn’t know what to do.

***

Sergio was seated on the floor and in front of him were pictures of Eric, his beautiful smile, and his sexy eyes. Sergio was there too, grinning like an idiot. He was holding a picture of their honeymoon on which they were kissing passionately. That had been a wonderful moment and it gave him so many memories.

Sergio closed his eyes, letting his mind fill with Eric’s voice. He could hear him teasing him like he was just a foot away. And when he kissed him, Sergio felt it and he rubbed his lips, yearning for that kiss. He thought about their passionate night together. He missed Eric so much that he just wanted to hold him and make love to him.

Sergio was gotten out of his reverie when he heard the door to his room opening. He quickly opened his eyes and saw Steve rushing to him with a look of worry. He threw his necktie on the bed and just stood staring at Sergio, shaking his head.

“What are you doing, Sergio?” He sighed, hitting his head. “What the hell are you doing to yourself? Don’t tell me you’ve been sitting here whole day looking at those pictures?”

“What am I supposed to do? Eric is still not found and I will not stop until I find him.”

“You have no idea what’s going on, do you?” Steve asked with a frown. “While you’re busy soaking here, your enemies are busy destroying you.”

“What are you talking about?” Sergio asked.

Steve angrily took the TV remote from the floor and switched on the TV.

‘… It has only been days since the tragic death of this city’s fashion god.’ The woman said with a sad face. ‘The sad news hit all of us badly and we’re yet to recover though we have no idea why his husband stopped the funeral procession. We can only hope that we get some news soon.

And on a sad note, today, early this morning, we learned of some sad news. In addition to the loss of his husband, Mr. Sergio Alvarado has lost his position as president and owner of Alvarado Jewellers to the man who just came out as his half-brother…’

They showed Giada and Jayden coming out of the company premises and many reporters running towards them. But Sergio didn’t care about that. All he wanted was to find his Eric and solve these problems later.

‘Question is, can Mr. Sergio Alvarado handle any more heart-breaking news?’

Steve switched off the TV and threw the remote away.

“Sergio, honestly, when that man came here the other day with Giada, I took it as a joke,” Steve yelled. “But this is getting out of hand. If you don’t get off your ass and solve all these problems this man has brought, you’re gonna lose everything. He’s got messed up documents supporting that he owns most of your properties.”

Steve’s rage built like deep water currents when Sergio just sat there staring at him.

“Are you gonna say something? Stop being selfish and think about your sister and your mother.” Steve barked. “I understand that you’re going through a very tough time right now. But please, don’t just keep quiet and let them win. You know how selfish Giada can be. She can go to any length just to get what she wants. Don’t let her win.”

Sergio looked at his friend, combing his hair with his fingers.

‘Sergio, if you are lost, then I will show you the right path.’ Eric’s voice rang through his head. ‘If you falter, I will be there to support you. I will love you unconditionally as long as I live. All the hardships will go through me before they reach you.’

He furiously got up, took a deep breath, and grabbed the car keys from the bed. He started heading for the door but Steve grabbed his arm.

“Sergio, where are you going? Please, don’t leave without doing anything about this.”

“I am going to look for Eric. That’s my primary goal. Until I find Eric, I will not be myself.”

He released his hand from Steve’s grip and left. Steve was so confused and scared. He’d never seen Sergio act like in all the years they’d been friends. But he was even more scared because there was a possibility his friend wasn’t gonna heal.

***

‘Congratulations, Giada!’ The man on the other end chuckled happily. ‘I got so happy when I saw the news.’

“Thank you. I told you I always have a few tricks up my sleeve.” She said happily.

Giada was looking sexy as hell in a gray pantsuit that was tight on her, showing her gorgeous curves. The jacket was unbuttoned and the sexy white shirt inside was showing her cleavage. She had white high heels on her feet and her hair was in perfectly voluminous spiral curls that made her look young and hot.

She was heading to the pool area after a long day at work, showing everyone what was gonna happen if they messed with her. She was victorious and nothing was gonna stop her now. Her greatest enemy was dead and she had made sure of that.

As she neared the pool, she saw Kim seated on a chair, staring into the pool. Her heart raced in happiness and she cut her call.

“Are you thinking of committing suicide in the pool?” Her mouth curved into a smile. “You might be thinking of it but I can assure you that it won’t be that easy to leave us. We still need you, Kim? We love you.” Then she burst into laughter, holding her chest. “You should look at your face right now. You’re so hilarious.”

Kim took a deep breath, trying to keep herself under control.

“You’ve only witnessed a percentage of our victory. You haven’t even witnessed the marriage of my son to Sergio.”

Kim chuckled in bitterness. “I still don’t understand how I didn’t figure you out all those years. We’ve been friends for so long and I trusted you. I thought you had my back but I had no idea you were just a snake in green grass.”

“We’re not so different after all,” Giada said, opening her arms. “Don’t try to act saint when we both know the kind of person you are? We both also know the secret you’re keeping from your children.”

“At least, I don’t betray people that I love. I don’t stab my friends in the back.” Kim yelled, getting up from the chair. “For how long will you play hide and seek, Giada? Why do you do this?”

“It is payback for what you did to me. You have no idea what happens to someone when they trouble me a lot.” She chuckled like an evil queen. “You should be thankful that you’re still alive. Or maybe you’re tired of your life and you want to join your son-in-law. I can arrange for that.”

“You can do your worst, Giada,” Kim said with tears threatening to come out. “You’ve managed to distance from my children. I only did this because I was being a mother to my son. I didn’t want him to go away from me or for him to feel pain. But what’s the difference now?” She sobbed softly. “You and your son are alike, stuck to my son like glue. You will not be at peace until you take everything that he has.”

“No, you’re very wrong about that.” Giada grinned. “My son loves Sergio and it is because of that love that you’re still here. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I would have exposed you to him.”

“Am I supposed to thank you?” Kim asked hoarsely. “And you can keep on dreaming because my son will never marry Trevor. What did you think? You would kill Eric and your son would come here and Sergio would welcome him with open arms? You’re such a dreamer because my son’s love for Eric will never die. Even as we speak, he’s refused to accept that Eric is gone. He is looking for him and not once as he noticed your loser son.”

That was the breaking point of Giada’s patience. At that moment, she was blinded by a five-course serving of rage that tasted bitter. She raised her hand and smacked Kim across the face but even though she did, the woman kept on staring at her.

“I accept that I made a mistake but what you did is a crime.” She yelled. “You’re the one that killed Eric and no matter what you do, the truth will not remain hidden. Sergio will find out sooner or later and do you know what he’ll do? He’ll kill you and your entire crew. He’ll not spare you and…”

“Shut up!” Giada was breathless. She raised her finger and pointed at Kim. “Shut the fuck up, Kim! You don’t wanna make me angry.”

“Are you scared?” She asked, shaking her head. “Sergio is looking for Eric as we speak. I pray that he finds him, brings him back to this house. Then we can see if you can win with Eric around.”

Giada tried to open her mouth but got surprised when no word got out. She didn’t even do anything when Kim hissed and bumped into her as she was leaving.

‘I pray that Sergio finds Eric, and brings him back home.’

“Why are you thinking about this, Giada?” She muttered, slowly sitting on the chair. “Eric is dead and is not coming back. You made sure of that.”

She took three deep breaths and made herself calm. She had nothing to worry about.

“Excuse me, ma’am!”

She glanced at the man that had just disturbed her from head to toe in disgust. The man bowed when he saw the way she was staring at him.

“What is it?”

“This came for you, ma’am.”

He handed a small parcel with a beautiful card. She took the gift and rudely dismissed him. The parcel was small but it was beautifully wrapped with a pink ribbon on top. She opened the car and she smiled. Her smile was one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower opens.

‘Congratulations on your victory, Giada. Always knew you were gonna impress me.’ The card read.

She laughed musically, feeling like she owned the earth. Whoever had sent that card was probably one of her close business partners that had probably heard that she was now the co-owner of Alvarado jewelers.

She bit her lip and moaned as she carefully opened the parcel that had been sent. It was a bit light but whatever was in there was probably expensive. There was no way anyone would send her a cheap gift knowing how classy she was.

She managed to unwrap the parcel and the moment she did, her hands went cold and clammy. Her hands trembled and her eyes watered as she saw the contents of the parcel. There was something there, something that scared her to death. Her body felt hot and sweat began trickling down her neck. Fear engulfed her conscience, knocking all other thoughts aside.

The parcel was a little box and in there were yellow rose petals and a few of them had red stains that looked like blood. Giada’s breaths quickened and her entire body shook in fear.

“No!” She screamed at the top of her voice. “No!”

Her hands began trembling and she let go of the parcel, letting the petals scatter on the ground. She screamed even harder when she realized that she had blood on her hands. Her hands were dripping wet with blood. She tried to run but she tripped and found herself on the ground.

“No!” She cried, shaking her head. “Help! Trevor, he’s gonna kill me.”

***

4 days ago

*

“Have you done exactly as I had instructed?” Giada asked one of her thugs. “I don’t want any mistakes.”

“Yes, ma’am!” The dirty-looking man answered, slowly bowing. “Everything is as instructed. We made sure that everything was done just like you wanted it. No one is gonna know what happened.”

“Good!” Jayden said, rubbing his temple. “Can you show us?”

“Follow me, sir!”

Jayden and Giada looked at each other like two evil geniuses and followed the thug to the place where they had agreed to meet. As soon as they reached there, they found their prize, Eric lying on the ground on his back. His hands were bound and he was still unconscious though bloody. He had blood on his face and his hair was messy. His clothes were a little bloody and he had a cut on his forehead and most of it was swollen.

Seeing Eric there, Giada felt like she was in heaven. She couldn’t believe that she had finally managed to get ahold of her biggest enemy. It was a dream-come-true. Eric was only wearing a black shirt with a white boxer that was dirty.

“We managed to get him out and we planted a dead body there with all his belongings.” One of the thugs said.

“Did you burn the car?”

“We didn’t have to.” He said with a stern face. “The car exploded on its own. We are lucky we were able to get him out and carry out our plan. It’s a miracle he’s even still alive.”

“He’s a tough cookie and doesn’t give up easily. But not for long.” Giada chirped.

When she looked at Eric and saw him move, she got so excited that her heart began racing. She took a bottle of water and emptied it on his face. Eric coughed, quickly moving his head. He opened his eyes and got the shock of his life when he saw Giada there.

“Surprise, surprise, Eric!” Giada laughed hysterically. “Welcome back, your highness. For a moment, I was starting to think you weren’t gonna wake up.”

“Giada!” He gasped, trying to move. But his hands were tied and his body was in so much pain. He ended up wincing. “What… what the hell are you doing?”

“You know, you’re too feisty for someone that was involved in a terrible accident.” She said, dropping her hand to her hip. “But I am glad you’re still alive because I am gonna end your life myself. Look over there?” She gestured with her head.

Eric slowly moved his head and saw a coffin just beside him. The coffin was a few old fence panels chopped and reinforced. There were about four thugs ready to bury him.

“Forgive me, I didn’t have time to go out and shop for your coffin.” She teased, laughing loudly. Who could hear her when they were far away in the forest. “I hope this one pleases you.”

“No!” Eric groaned, trying to untie himself. “Please, you cannot do this, Giada.”

“Oh, I will!” She snapped her fingers and gave the signal to the thugs.

They held him up but he wasn’t gonna go down without a fight. He tried kicking his legs although he was in pain nothing was helping. He couldn’t do anything with his hands tied like that. The thugs laid him in a coffin.

“Giada, you bitch, you’ll not get away with this.” He yelled, breathing like he was in labor. “I promise, you’ll not get away with this.”

“So feisty till your last breath!” Jayden chirped, winking at him. “Now I know why Sergio didn’t wanna let you go. I like a boy that is strong too. Maybe if we had met before all this, we would have been together.”

“You won’t get away with this. I won’t let you.”

“And who’s gonna stop us?” Giada shrugged. “This is over, Eric. It is all over for you. I have won. You’ve been a thorn in my flesh for too long.” She said in a rasping voice. “You’re the reason why I lost everything in the first place. You’re the reason why I lost my husband. I have never hated anyone so much before and I promised you that you were gonna pay. This is me paying you back.”

“You think this is over, Giada.” He sounded slightly brittle. “You can go ahead and kill me. But even in death, I shall haunt you, Giada. My soul will haunt you until your very end. I cannot….”

“Blah-blah-blah…” Giada rolled her eyes. “…just accept that it is over. You’ve been defeated and your threats do not do shit to me. I am Giada Sandoval, the iron lady of this city. You’ve messed with me for so long. And…” She paused and knelt, running her fingers on his face, moving his hair away. “…you don’t have to worry about your husband. My son will take care of him. He won’t even think about you. I cannot say the same about your mother. She may be joining you soon.”

The sadness drained through Eric rather than skating over his skin. Tears rolled down his face as he glared at Giada, wishing to just kill her.

“My love is stronger than you think. But so is my hatred, Giada.” He roared. “Sooner or later we’ll meet. You can kill my body but not my soul.”

“We’ll see about that.”

She snapped her finger and the thugs placed a lid on top of the coffin, ignoring the cries and screams from the inside. His screams echoed and the shouting was violence in the air. There was something in that shout, a pain behind it.

“No!”

“Goodbye, Eric!” She laughed at the top of her lungs together with Jayden. “You’re gonna be buried alive.”

“You’ve not seen the last of me.” Eric cried as if his brain was being shredded from the inside. “You may get rid of me but you’ll never be happy with all the wealth in the world. You and your allies will never be happy. I curse you, Giada.”

“Oh, I am shaking my boots.” She chuckled.

She watched as the thugs nailed the lid to the coffin and then placed it in a hole that was like 2 feet deep. Giada watched and laughed at the top of her lungs, throwing yellow rose petals in the hole as the thugs buried the coffin. She watched happily until all of it was buried. Then she placed a single rose petal on top of it, smiling like she was from having an orgasm.

“I can’t believe it is finally done!” She gasped, smiling at Jayden. “I have finally won. Nothing can stop me now.”

She spun like a little child, watching the grave while feeling tears of mirth going down her cheeks.

“Good riddance!”

***

Present-day…

*

“No… please…” She cried, tears rolling her cheeks.

Giada tried to rub the blood off her hands but it just got more. The more she tried to rub it off, the more it accumulated. It was a lot and she was crying hysterically. Her heart pounded so much that she felt like she was gonna have a heart attack.

She glanced at the chair and almost peed herself. Eric was seated there, staring at her with a smile on his face.

“You’re dead.” She shook her head. “You cannot be here.”

“Mom?”

Trevor came running towards her together with Jayden. He held her tightly, and the way she held him made him so scared. She was visibly trembling and he wondered what had made her so scared. She was never like that. He glanced at Jayden and saw that he had the same confused look on his face.

“Mommy? Are you okay?”

“He’s here, Trevor. He’s going to kill me. Please, save me.”

“Mommy, who is here to kill you?”

“E-eric!” She muttered, pointing to the chair. “He’s over there. Please, save me.”

Both Jayden and Trevor looked at the chair and there was nothing there.

“Mommy, what are you saying?” He gasped, cupping her cheeks. “There’s nothing there. The chair is empty and the only thing on the table is your bag.”

Giada shook her head. “He’s over…”

But she paused when she saw nothing. There was no sign of him anywhere. She slowly got up, looking all around like a madwoman. She furiously rubbed her tears and looked at her son.

“I am not crazy. I know what I saw.” She sounded mad. “He was here and I had…”

But there was no blood on her hands. They were as clean as they had been. Fear got the best of her and her mouth trembled.

“I know what I saw. Okay, what about the blood on the flower petals.” She pointed to petals on the ground. But there was no blood there. The petals were pure yellow and clean. She looked at Jayden and Trevor, sniveling hard. “I swear there was blood there.”

“Giada, I think you’re just tired,” Jayden said, squeezing her shoulder. “All of us had a long day at work. Maybe from all the excitement, you started seeing things.”

“I am not crazy.” She barked, gripping her hair as hard as she could. “Okay, then what about the flowers. It is not a coincidence that the same flowers that…”

“Giada?” The sound of warning in Jayden’s voice was enough to stop her from finishing her sentence.

“Mom? They’re just flowers.” Trevor assured, holding her hand softly. “There’s nothing to hurt you here. We’ve won, remember? Eric is dead.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “And he’s not coming back. Jayden is right. You’re very tired and you need to rest. When you wake up, you’ll be fine.”

Giada sighed, combing her hair with her fingers.

“Alright, I will rest.”

“Alright. Let’s go.”

He started leading her inside, leaving Jayden there all alone.

‘This woman needs to control herself, otherwise, she’s gonna ruin everything.’ He clenched his fist, hitting it on the table. ‘Eric is dead and he’ll remain so. If she continues like this, it is not Eric that is gonna ruin us. It will be her.’

***

Sergio was walking on the mountain area on the outskirts of town, looking all around. The whole place was filled with memories from his past, wonderful memories that were now haunting him. It looked the same way it used to in the past.

‘It’s my habit to keep you in my memories, Sergio.’ A voice rang through his head. ‘Some call it a habit, while others call it worship. Dear Sergio, I know you know how much I appreciate and love art. It is part of me and part of the reason why I fell in love with you because, to express myself, I always needed its help.’

The voice was torturing him. He wanted to stop playing it but he couldn’t. He held on to the small recorder he was holding like his life depended on it.

‘That is why at this moment, although I am not there with you, please bear with me this romantic moment. I have got a surprise for you.

Happy anniversary, my wonderful handsome husband, my life. I know you may not remember this but today marks exactly five years since we started dating back in the university. The day I said yes to you, and the day you saved my life at that party.’

He reached the top and was greeted by the beautiful lights from the city that looked like hot a lot of hot coals. Tears welled up in his eyes as his head filled with memories. Everything was pretty much the same.

‘Five years ago, everything may have started as a lie but I still hold it dear to my heart.’ The voice continued. Eric sounded happy. ‘It is that time my heart learned to love completely. And when you brought me here to inspire my art, I fell deeper in love with you. Look at the city you said…’ He paused and chuckled. ‘…I brought you here so that you can get inspired and create something wonderful. I still remember your words in everything that I do. That is why I’ll always thank you and love you.’

‘I hope those memories still linger in your mind as they do mine. And I hope our entire lives, we’re gonna live like this, happy and fighting for our love. And we’ll tell the story to our kids and our grandkids, perhaps, a bedtime story.’

Sergio laughed as tears rolled down his cheeks.

‘I wanted us to celebrate our anniversary together just like we spent that day here. Because it will forever remain one of the most romantic things ever. But we need both of us, don’t we?’ He chuckled. ‘Turn around my love.’

Sergio sobbed and held the recorder closer to his heart. Sergio cried like there was too much raw pain inside him to be contained. Tears streamed down his cheeks, his whole body vibrating in rhythm. Perhaps, it was the realization that what everyone may have been saying was true. Perhaps, his Eric had left him. He was no longer with him. He was supposed to be there with him. They were supposed to be lying on the hammock, holding hands and kissing. He was not supposed to be crying like that.

“Eric!” He screamed at the top of his lungs. “Where are you, my love? You promised we’d be together until the end of time. We’d raise our kids together, tell them stories of our love. Why did you lie to me, Eric? Why did you tell me all those things when you knew you wouldn’t be here? Maybe everyone is right. You were only here to hurt me. You came for revenge and now you’ve left me in pain.”

But there was no answer. The only noise was the sound of the crickets and the rattling of the trees as they rubbed on each other due to the wind. Sergio’s voice was the only human voice there. It wasn’t dark but his soul was so dark. His pain had traveled to his brain. He cried unlike he’d cried before.

Suddenly, Sergio felt something cold at the back of his neck, and before he even had a chance to say anything he heard a loud cocking sound. That sound immediately alerted him that the cold thing pointed at his neck was a gun.

“What the hell are you doing here at this time of the night?” The man asked. Sergio didn’t know if it was his mind playing tricks on him or it was true, but the man’s voice was like the magma chamber of a volcano, deep, but entirely with the molten rock. His voice was powerful enough to make your bones feel like they were vibrating.

Sergio wasn’t scared or anything. He just remained quiet, in the same position the man had found him.

“Are you that tired of your life that you decided to come to look for death in this dangerous area and at this time?” The man roared, sending a shiver down Sergio’s spine. “Or maybe you work for the police and you came here to spy?”

But Sergio wasn’t responding. He didn’t even move because he didn’t care.

“Answer me!” He yelled. But Sergio remained quiet. “Get the fuck up and face me. I want to look into the eyes of the man who’d dare come here and challenge me.”

Sergio slowly got up and turned to face the man. He was putting on a black mask so Sergio couldn’t see his face, only his eyes, and his lips. He was wearing black attire and he had his gun pointed into Sergio’s face. A smile appeared on his face.

“Wow! Today is my lucky day.” The man chirped, shaking his head. “Any last words?”

***

Kim was staring at the clock on the wall, the tic-tac sound making her heart race like she was riding a rodeo. She couldn’t understand why she was not used to that, her son coming home whenever he wanted to. Maybe she was scared of what the truth might do to him. It had been four days already since the day of Eric’s death. Sergio hadn’t shed a tear, not once. All he did was go out to look for him hopelessly.

The fear thoughts looped around in his mind until there was no room for anything else.

‘Sergio hasn’t returned and it’s almost 2 in the morning.’ She thought as tears welled up in her eyes. ‘I don’t know how long I can keep this up. I can’t bear to see my son suffering like this anymore. If I tell the truth to Sergio, there’s a high possibility of him being killed by Jayden. Adrianna will be in trouble too, and I can’t risk it. If I don’t tell him, the truth might come out anyway. Then I will be in trouble too together with my children.’

She felt angry at herself for not allowing her son to be happy. Now she was cursed to always see him in sorrow. What was she going to do?

“Ahem!”

Kim got out of her thoughts and raised her head. She found Trevor staring at her with a beautiful smile on his face like nothing had happened. Her frustration kicked in and she rolled her eyes, ignoring him. She didn’t wanna talk to him because she hated him so much.

“Mother?” He touched her shoulder, but she shrugged it off. Trevor smiled still, kneeling in front of her. He rested his hand on her thigh, staring into her eyes. “How have you been, mother? I am sorry that we haven’t gotten to talk. And I know that you hate me right now. But I promise that you won’t be harmed in this. I swear I’ll protect you. I still consider you my mother because you’re the mother of the man that I love so much. You’re the mother of the man I am gonna marry very soon.”

Kim quickly rose, staring at the boy that had just gotten on her nerves.

“I don’t need your help, Trevor.” She said harshly but slowly. “You have done a lot for me. I kept ignoring all your mistakes even when I knew my son was hurting because I always thought you were gonna make him happy. He kept telling me that you’re not what you seemed. Even when he married Eric, I stood by your side. I went against my son for you, Trevor. And you have the effrontery to stand here and tell me all that? After all, you’ve done, you think I will still allow you in my son’s life? I couldn’t even imagine a decent, innocent boy as you could stoop to this level. Do you have any shame?” She barked.

Trevor got up, shaking his head. He bit back his anger and went closer to her.

“I only did this because I love Sergio.” He said abruptly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you this way. But I can promise you that I will make it right. Help me get married to Sergio and we’ll live as one big happy family. I promise you. Please!”

Kim chuckled bitterly, rubbing her tears. “Even if I had the power to make my son marry someone, I wouldn’t send him to the clutches of a snake-like you. I would rather see him with Eric over and over again.”

Trevor clenched his fists feeling like someone had just poured anger on him. He wanted to slap Kim but he didn’t wanna make matters worse.

“Mother please, don’t say that.” He held her hand. “You know how much I love you, and Sergio. He’s all that I want. I only did all this so that we could be together. Please…”

“Don’t touch me!” Kim warned, raising her finger at him. “And you can only dream about marrying my son because he’ll never…”

“Enough!” Rage pounded in Trevor like a drumbeat. “You’ve talked enough, Kimberly.” To say Kim was surprised would be an understatement. “I don’t even know why I am begging a woman like you when you’re so useless. Forget about you helping me, you cannot even help your son. I don’t even know why I talked to you in the first place when it is clear who’s boss. Whether you help me or not, I am gonna get married to Sergio. You can bet me on that. And when I do…” He got closer with an evil grin on his face. “…I will make sure that I send you to old people’s homes early.”

He flipped his hair, hissed, and left laughing.

Kim furiously rubbed her tears, taking a deep breath. She didn’t wanna take what he had said to heart as she was already troubled. She had so many important things to worry about. Her son was still not home and it was already late.

She started heading to the door when suddenly, the door opened and a strong wind blew all over the living room. Her son was standing in the doorway, staring at her without even blinking. His eyes were blood red and they looked swollen. His face was completely wet with tears and he looked a mess. His hair was dirty and unkempt… his forehead looked a little bruised… he had little blood on his hands and his fists were clenched.

He started coming towards her, staring at her like he wanted to kill her. Kim realized she couldn’t move. The look her son gave her had her frozen when she stood. She was supposed to be happy he had finally managed to cry but she was worried. She knew something was wrong.

He walked towards her, stood in front of her, and glared in her eyes. Then all of a sudden, he did something unexpected. He gripped her into a hug and broke down, crying like his spirit needed to break loose from his skin, desperate to release an elemental rage on the world.

“Oh my son,” Kim mourned as she held him tighter. “My poor son,”

Sergio dropped to the floor crying like the ferocity of it might bring Eric back; as if by sheer force of his grief the news would be undone. He was his husband and he could not be gone. Kim tried to hold him back, to calm him, even as her tears fell thick and fast but in his hysteria, he was too strong, too wild. She fell to her knees and held him tighter, rubbing on his back.

“Why does this keep happening, mommy?” He wailed. “The people I love, the ones that I trust and believe tend to betray me? Eric, mom, he… he…”

“Shhh…” She kissed his head. “I am right here, baby. You can cry. It is okay to cry. You’ve held it for so long, my baby.”

“Why am I experiencing this pain? Why does it hurt so much? Why can’t he come back to me? Why can’t he feel my pain and my love?”

“I feel your pain, my love…” She sobbed. But even her soothing words couldn’t calm him down. “…and I am sure everything will be alright. I am right here like I have always been. I won’t leave you alone or go away.”

He held her tighter and just cried out his heart. It was so painful for Kim to watch but she knew it had to be done for him to move on.

“I am sorry.” He cried. “I am so sorry, mommy. Forgive me. I love you so much.”

“It’s okay, my love.” She laid his head on her lap and began soothing him. “I was never angry at you and I know you love me. Please, I am right here. Just cry it out.”

“I love you so much.”

Sergio cried for what seemed like forever. Kim never left his side. She cried with him. He cried and cried until they died down and he slept on her lap. But even through his sleep, he was sniveling. His temperature got so high that it scared Kim. But she didn’t want to wake him for fear of him crying hysterically again. She just played with his hair, planting kisses on his face. Whatever he had found out about Eric while he was out might have been too painful for him.

“I won’t give you any hopes, because I know none of it would matter.” She muttered. “I signed those documents to save our family. I had no idea that in the process… I would sign off your happiness as well. And now because of me, Eric is dead.” She sniveled. “I never realized he truly loved you until it was the end. One thing I can promise you is that I’ll try to bring back your happiness.”

She held him tighter and he moved in his sleep.

“I swear!”

To be continued…