Seven days had passed. Each second dragged on like a whisper. For Caroline, it was misery. For Ximena and Rex? It was a gamble.
Ximena sipped her wine, a smirk playing on her lips. Caroline, standing with a mop in hand, looked fragile. With a flick of her wrist, Ximena tipped her glass, letting the wine splash onto the floor.
"Miss Caroline... Caroline!" Ximena pouted mockingly.
"Yes?" Caroline's voice trembled, sweat trickling down her face, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"You'll have to mop this floor for the seventieth time," Ximena sneered. "And maybe, just maybe, you'll get a break—if I approve." Caroline's tears fell as she bent to her task, gripping the mop.
Just then, Rex entered the room, a suitcase in hand. Ximena dashed toward him, arms open wide. He smiled, but the moment his eyes landed on Caroline, his expression hardened.
"Hey!... Leave." Caroline hurried out, and Ximena rolled her eyes.
Rex slumped into a seat, and Ximena quickly perched on his lap. "Bae... don't you want to stop?" she whispered, turning away from his intense gaze. "I mean, thank God... things have calmed down online. Our romance doesn't have to be overshadowed by Caroline anymore."
She wrapped her arms around him, her voice soft. "You've punished her for seven days straight. I trust you, baby. I always do."
"I love you," she whispered gently.
---
Mike stood across the table as Ximena leaned forward, rubbing her jawline thoughtfully. She smiled, pressing her palms flat on the table.
"Mike..." she began.
"Yes, boss!" Mike's gaze was sharp.
"I want to ask you something... personal."
Mike straightened. "Of course."
"What would make a man not... connect with his partner, even if he's in love with her?"
Mike blinked rapidly before narrowing his eyes. "Well... Rex could be dealing with something from his past, maybe a personal issue, or just not feeling confident at the moment."
Ximena raised a brow. "Who said I was talking about Rex?" she teased.
Mike chuckled awkwardly. "If I had a genie, I'd wish to take those words back. Didn't mean to sound so harsh."
Ximena rolled her eyes but smirked. "Thanks... for everything."
---
Rex stepped into the restaurant, his eyes scanning the room. The place gleamed with luxury—glittering chandeliers, plush seating, and elegant couples at every table. He spotted Valerie in a corner, raising a hand to greet him.
"Let's get straight to it," Rex said as he settled in.
"Ximena's birthday is coming up," Valerie started. "She's probably forgotten all about it with everything going on at the company and the event planning."
Rex sipped from his champagne flute, nodding.
"I spoke with Aunty Maggie. She's got the cake, decorations, everything in place. The staff is on board, too. I just wanted to run it by you," Valerie continued.
"Nice thinking, Valerie. Thank you," Rex replied, his mind already planning ahead.
---
Dawn broke over Amethyst, but the cold clung to the night like a persistent shadow. Rex opened the door, greeted by the scent of roses. They formed delicate heart shapes on the floor, leading to Ximena, standing barefoot at the end of the trail.
Her red dress hugged her figure, and her hair fell messily across her flushed face. She looked stunning.
Rex smiled warmly, walking over to her. He gently took her hand, and together, they sat on the bed. The atmosphere between them was peaceful, full of quiet affection.
"I'm just really tired, love," he said softly, leaning back beside her. Ximena nodded, understanding, as they lay quietly, the dawn slowly creeping in.
---
Ximena watched as the plane touched down. After filling out the necessary paperwork, she drove. The smile on her face never faltered—Daddy was home.
"How's my hero doing?" Mr. Jones asked with a grin.
"Dad, I'm not seven anymore," Ximena teased, focused on the road.
"It still feels like you are," he chuckled.
"Grow up, Dad."
"I am grown, but... how's love treating you? I saw what happened online. The cyberbullies..." His voice softened, and Ximena's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"It's fine. You didn't make it awkward."
"Last Christmas, I wished you'd stop loving Mom," Ximena confessed. "It was childish of me. She hurts you sometimes, but I know you still need her."
Mr. Jones nodded. "Love is complicated, but it's also the glue that keeps us together. What do you think?"
"I've learned that nothing grows your mind faster than pain and responsibility," Ximena murmured. "Mom may have been sick for too long, but I believe the cure is near."
Mr. Jones smiled. "Always stay positive, darling."
---
The party was in full swing by the time Ximena arrived at the company. The air buzzed with excitement as guests mingled in tuxedos and glamorous dresses.
Rex spotted Valerie and Aunty Maggie, his gaze softening as he approached them. "Where's Xie?" he asked.
"She's gone to pick up Dad," Valerie replied, a knowing smile on her lips.
Ximena returned shortly after, pulling up in a white Lamborghini. The moment she stepped out, eyes followed her every move.
Rex dropped to one knee, pulling out a black velvet box. Inside, a diamond ring sparkled under the lights.
The crowd gasped as Ximena realized what was happening. "Yes!" she cried, and Rex slipped the ring onto her finger.
Hugs and congratulations followed, but Rex's eyes wandered toward the entrance. His smile faded when he saw him—Mr. Williams. The man stood at the door, a bouquet in hand.
Rex's grip tightened on Ximena, memories flashing through his mind, old scars reopening. Mr. Williams dropped his gaze and left.
Willow, in her striking red dress, bumped into him, glaring. "Watch it, old man!" she spat, her heels clicking away.
---
Mr. Williams' shoulders slumped under the weight of regret. His knees wobbled, and without another word, he turned to leave. Willow, in her red dress, hurried past him, her heels clicking against the floor. She bumped into him, glaring with annoyance. "Watch where you're going, old man!"
He pressed his lips together, sadness filling his eyes. It was better to have his daughter mad at him than to be forgotten altogether. Ximena slipped from his grasp after a few moments. "I'm sorry…" his voice barely a whisper.
She gave him a brief nod, her gaze soft, but she kept walking. She caught up to him at the exit. "Where are you going, soldier? The party's not over yet."
Mr. Williams turned, his expression softening when he saw her. She walked over and hugged him, her arms squeezing tightly. "ONWM!" Rex's sharp voice cut through the moment, and the two pulled apart.
Rex marched back into the party, taking Willow by the hand. When they reached Ximena and Mr. Williams, Rex stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as they locked with Mr. Williams'.
Ximena tried to reach for Rex's hand, but he pulled it away. "Rex… you don't understand. Please, let me explain."
"I might not understand everything, but one thing is clear… this man ruins people's happiness. He takes advantage of everyone around him and..." Rex's voice trailed off, frustration etched on his face as he turned and walked away.
Willow's gaze flickered between them, her lips curling in anger. "I knew it… you're nothing but trouble." Without another word, she stormed off, leaving Ximena to exhale deeply, her heart heavy.