Mathew gracias walked out of Royales Consultants with mixed emotions. He had finally gotten the interview opportunity he'd been chasing for years, but the encounter with Valeria had left him unsettled. She had greeted him with distant politeness, her words measured, as if she were carefully balancing obligation and detachment.
She didn't even call me 'Matty' like she used to,he thought bitterly.
When he got home, his parents were overjoyed at the news, but Mathew couldn't shake off the coldness in Valeria's demeanor.
She didn't laugh, didn't hug me… it was like talking to a stranger,he muttered.
His mother sighed, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. Mathew, she's not the same girl we knew. She carries the weight of an empire now. That kind of power changes people.
But we were family Mathew argued.
And perhaps that's why she gave you the interview his father said quietly. But debts paid don't always bring back what's lost.
A heavy silence settled in the room. They all missed the old Valeria—the girl who used to laugh freely, who would sneak extra food to their table when they couldn't afford much. Now, she was a queen in a gilded cage, and they were just ghosts from her past.
A Secret Reunion
Valeria waited until the office was empty before slipping out, her face hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. She took a detour, ensuring no one followed her, before entering a discreet hotel downtown.
The moment the door opened, Daniel's familiar grin greeted her. Without a word, they embraced tightly, the years of separation melting away in that single hug.
Look at you, Mr. Fancy Neurosurgeon, Valeria teased, wiping away a stray tear.
And look at you, CEO of Royales, Daniel shot back, ruffling her hair like he used to when they were kids.
They sat together, reminiscing about their mother—her warm smile, the way she'd scold them for fighting, and most of all, her special noodles.
If she were here, she'd have made a huge pot just for you, Daniel said softly.
Valeria's eyes glistened. I'd give up everything just to taste it one more time.
Then, to her surprise, Daniel pulled out a container. Good thing I've been practicing.
She took a bite, and the flavors exploded in her mouth—just like their mother's. A sob escaped her lips before she could stop it.
You… you really grew up, she whispered, hugging him again.
Took you long enough to notice, he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
They lay side by side in comfortable silence, just like they used to as children, hiding from their father's temper.
Remember when you put salt in my tea instead of sugar? Valeria suddenly said, a smirk playing on her lips.
Daniel groaned. And you retaliated by putting a fake snake in my bed! I didn't sleep for a week
They burst into laughter, the sound foreign yet healing.
But reality soon crept back in. Valeria checked the time—11:00 PM. She couldn't stay any longer.
I have to go, she said reluctantly.
Daniel nodded. Be careful.
She squeezed his hand. You too. And… thank you. For the noodles. For remembering.
With one last hug, they parted ways, slipping back into their separate worlds.
Midnight Intrigue
Valeria arrived at the Royales Estate close to midnight, exhaustion weighing on her shoulders. But as she walked toward the mansion, a movement near Leon's private quarters caught her eye.
Claire.
Pressing herself against Leon, her lips locked with his in a heated embrace.
Valeria's stomach twisted. Not this again, she muttered, turning away. She had no energy for another one of Claire's schemes. And she didn't want to think about Leon not now, but she had to succeed fast she was losing it and tired of the family games.
What she didn't see was Leon pulling away, his expression conflicted.
Claire, stop,he said firmly, removing her hands from his waist.
Why? You've been distant lately, Claire pouted. I thought you wanted this.
Leon ran a hand through his hair, frustration lining his face. I can't. Not like this.
Is there someone else?Claire demanded.
His jaw tightened. There was—someone he shouldn't want. Someone forbidden.
But he couldn't say it.
It's not about that, he lied. You know my beliefs. I don't… do this before marriage.
Claire scoffed. Since when? You've never had a problem with the other girls you dated.
Maybe I've changed, he said quietly.
She studied him, suspicion flickering in her eyes. This isn't over, Leon.
With that, she stormed off, leaving him standing there, torn between duty and desire.
Valeria, unaware of the truth, walked into her room, sinking onto the bed with a heavy sigh.
When did everything become so complicated?
Outside, the moon hung high, casting shadows over the Royales Estate—a place where secrets thrived, and loyalties were never what they seemed...