"Have you got everything ready for my departure for Birmingham tomorrow morning? I don't want to miss anything."
"Yes, Mr. Javier. All accommodation and facilities are ready. Tomorrow morning the driver will be ready in the apartment lobby to take you to the airport."
"Good. Because I don't want to miss anything. You can go home now Daniel. See you next month. While I'm not around, keep an eye on employees' performance and report to me every day."
"Very well, Mr. Javier. Happy holidays to you."
Javier Mascherano smiled before getting into the car to head back to his residence. He can't wait to return to Birmingham and meet Della Hernandez – his childhood friend and first and last love.
He imagined how their meeting would be. Moreover, the woman did not realize that she already knew that she was disguised as a teacher at Devan's friend's school.
"I can't wait to meet you, my first love…"
Just as Javier was imagining his meeting with Della Hernandez, the ringing of the phone interrupted his thoughts. His face was visibly annoyed when he saw the name that appeared on the screen of his cell phone.
"Why does she always interfere with my life? Hufht, I really feel uncomfortable."
Javier kept on picking up the phone lazily. For some reason, he didn't like her appearance. Supposedly, he could have refused when his grandfather asked him to be engaged to that woman.
"Having Kimberly as your wife will further strengthen our business network. So, don't ever try to resist it."
"But, grandpa..."
"You know I don't like that, don't you, Javier?"
"Hello honey, why are you silent? Are you okay there?"
Javier was sick of the call. Only Della Hernandez could call her affectionate, and no other woman.
"What's wrong, Kimberly? Straight to the point, why did you call me?"
"Why are you so cold, Javier? I'm just greeting your future husband. What's wrong?"
"Remember Kimberly, I haven't said yes yet. So don't get your hopes up. It would be much better if you backed off and found another man who loves you."
"But I will still choose you even if you keep refusing. If necessary, I will ask God to unite us in the next life."
"And my answer remains the same… You will never own me, Kimberly Ryder."
"Javier..."
Javier chose to end their conversation rather than grow sick and hate that stubborn woman. Had it not been for his grandfather's request, he would never have accepted this business match."
"In the past, grandfather lost his son because he was too pushy until he ran away from home and married a woman that he loved. Did he want to repeat the same thing now?"
Javier had a monologue in his heart and remembered how his father had left Paris just to avoid the arranged marriage and chose to marry an ordinary woman who was his first love.
Now that both of them are gone, his grandfather is doing the same thing to him again. For some reason, the grandfather did not learn from the experience of losing his heir just because of his business match.
He chose to turn on his car and go to the biggest nightclub in Paris and vent his anger with alcohol. He thought he would be freed from the burden, but it turned out that he was even more burdened. Until he finally chose to go home before, he could not control himself anymore.
"Morning, come quickly. I want to get out of here and forget all the heavy burdens on my shoulders."
The Paris and Birmingham trip takes up to many hours. However, everything paid off when he arrived at the International Airport.
The smile continued to tug on his lips. Imagine how Della would be surprised to see his presence later. However, he wanted to make sure Mitchell didn't know he was in Birmingham.
Javier really understands that Della is currently undercover to prove to her ex-fiancé that she has a reason why she left on their important day.
Javier is determined to help Della uncover Sarah's crimes. However, of course, there is a reward to be received. He didn't want to help out for free.
"I'll make sure Mitchell doesn't come back to you, Della Hernandez. Because I'm the one who's going to marry you."
Javier met his men who were already waiting in the arrivals lobby and immediately boarded the car, leaving the airport. He chose a hotel as a temporary residence before looking for an apartment to live in.
***
"How are you Della? Or should I call you Deswita now?"
"Javier? Argh, I'm annoyed. How do you know me? Even though I was dressed in such a way that people wouldn't recognize me. How do you know where I live?"
"What don't I know about you, Della? It's easy to find information about you."
"Are you a mobster now, Javier? Phew, I feel scared …"
"I only used business relations to find your whereabouts, Della. After all, I'm just an ordinary person, not a mafia or CEO like your ex, hahaha."
"Don't be so modest. You think I don't know who you are now? Don't lie to me, Javier."
Della was very happy to see the arrival of her childhood friend. She felt safe and comfortable being able to interact with Javier again. Even though she received a stern warning from Devan to remain careful.
Della understands, Devan just doesn't want anything to happen to her. However, she believed Javier would not dare mess with her. After all, Javier wasn't a bad person.
However, she still follows Devan's advice not to get too close to Javier if she doesn't want Mitchell or Sarah to become suspicious and find out who she really is.
"It's useless if you disguise yourself if Mitchell and Sarah find out that you really are Della Hernandez. And Javier's appearance will boomerang on you if you're not careful.
"I see, Devan. Trust me, I'll be careful. Thanks for your warning about this."
"I'll keep an eye on you. You should be careful. Because Sarah is after you."
Della was deeply moved by the attention Devan had given her so far. She was the one who had helped and made her confidence come back after the pressure Sarah had put on her in the past.
If it wasn't for Devan, she might have died a long time ago because she had lost her confidence and love for Sarah's betrayal.
"Let Sarah know that you're not a weak woman. Don't get too carried away with fear and depression because of Sarah's pressure. Instead, turn it into your strength against that cunning woman."
Forget about the warning Devan gave her. Della is now laughing again, reminiscing about her childhood with Javier. How they promised each other until they finally separated.
"Do you remember how Mitchell got jealous when I said we tied the knot when we were kids and we'd get married when we grew up?"
"Hahaha, yes. Mitchell was clearly afraid and angry at that time. However, everything was overcome when my parents told the truth."
"Yeah, but sadly, Sarah—that sly woman managed to get Mitchell to trust her again with her vile slander. I know everything that woman did to you back then, Della. Sorry, I wasn't there when you were depressed about it."
"Forget it. It's over. I don't want to remember. Hey, did you know Sarah and Mitchell are divorced?"
"Of course. Who didn't hear it? The news was very exciting and had become a trending topic in the headlines around the world. You know who the Mitchells are, right?"
Della, of course, knew the Mitchell family very well. They are a reliable business family and are well known for their wealth.
That's why she was so flattered and happy when Mitchell chose her as the future wife and mother of their future offspring. But alas, all is not as expected.
Now, everything is just a memory. All the happiness he once tasted now turned into hatred. She really hated Mitchell, who believed more in the slander that Sarah threw at her.
Della also still remembers how Sarah kept pressuring herself to leave Mitchell with the excuse that she had betrayed her by having an affair with Javier Mascherano, who was her best friend.
If Javier was in Birmingham at that time, he might still be with Mitchell and have continued their marriage. But, it seems that God had the best plan for her and she didn't know until that moment. However, Della believes, whatever it is, it is all for her happiness.
With Javier present, she feels she has additional strength to face Sarah and Mitchell. However, Della never realized that Javier's feelings and help were not free.
Della should have listened to Devan's words about Javier's presence nearby at that time. However, Della's nature of never suspecting anyone makes her sometimes used by others. Including Javier Mascherano–a childhood best friend who secretly has feelings for her.
"Lord, whatever plan you are showing me. I believe you only want me to be happy."