CHAPTER 6

She was awakened from her profound slumber at three o'clock in the afternoon. She was hungry and went to the kitchen to get something to eat, but she lost her appetite when she saw the nasty witch!

"We need to speak, Ella," Paloma explained.

Daniella lifted her eyebrows at Paloma as she sat in her chair. "As far as I am concerned, there is nothing to discuss." She refused to be referred to as Mama or Mother. She despised Paloma ever since she became a member of her family.

"Do you recall what was written in Greg's final will and testament?" Her purpose was not to anger Daniella, but her apathy compelled her to be a cruel stepmother.

"That I would receive nothing until I have a child? You are aware that this is ludicrous, Madam."

"Indeed, that was ridiculous. However, our arrangement was not," she reminded her of the wager they made that day.

Daniella gave an impolite grin. "Well, see," she responded confidently, but on the heart, she prayed Marcus was strong enough to make her pregnant in only one attempt.

Otherwise...

"Pardon me, Miss Paloma, Miss Daniella, but Attorney Elarcosa was in the living room and he indicated that it was essential." Patty, one of the domestic staff, alerted both ladies of the solicitor's arrival.

"Please direct him to the library; we'll meet him there." Paloma was the first to recover from the shock of the solicitor's unexpected arrival after the will had already been read.

Daniella was intrigued by the solicitor's surprise visit and decided to accompany Paloma to the library.

"It's wonderful to see both of you," Attorney Jaime Elarcosa greeted the woman who had just arrived in Greg's library to join him.

"Likewise, Attorney. How about you? How have you been?" Daniella inquired of the elderly gentleman who was seated in her father's enormous swivel chair.

"Please have a seat," he requested.

"Is there a problem, attorney?" Paloma was taken aback by his facial expression, which indicated that something was wrong.

"I'd want to begin by apologizing to you, Ella dear. It's unpleasant to admit, but I made an error when I read Greg's final will and testament." He proceeded to explain, and both women nodded.

“Mistake? What do you mean?" Daniella inquired evasively.

"I neglected to read your father's amended will a few weeks before he died," he said.

"Hmm, attorney, why don't you read it now?" Daniella crossed her legs as she awaited the solicitor's reading to begin.

She prayed for Paloma's soul as the attorney began reciting her father's final will and testament. She was well aware that the woman will erupt in wrath and may attempt suicide as a result of her defeat.

However, there were no significant revisions to the will. Paloma nevertheless received what she deserved, and Daniella was enraged. She desired to question as to what had become of Gregory's condition that she must fulfill before inheriting anything, but refrained.

However, it still took her breath away that the most desired home on a remote beach with the greatest seaview in Oslob was suddenly hers. Her father adored the lovely and wispy Paloma Murillo, which caused her to wonder that the home would be handed on to his second wife.

"He was very wealthy, attorney!" Daniella responded to the fact that her trust fund included a whopping fifty million dollars.

"Ella, he is a prudent investor."

"However, what became of the condition specified in his original testament?" Either the solicitor neglected to say it or she did not hear it previously.

"Greg was joking at the time," he said, smiling as he recalled his friend's expression that day.

“Meaning?” Daniella pressed him on his assertion that her father was joking at the time.

"That is, you are not required to have a child to receive anything. With regards to the cash, you now have complete access to it," he continued, handing her a passbook.

However, Daniella couldn't care less about the amount of money in her passbook. She was deaf to everything and could only think of the rash mistake she had taken in Hong Kong with Marcus Madrigal. Not only was it irresponsible, but it was a complete nightmare!

"Are you all okay, Ella?" Paloma inquired when she observed her pallor.

"I am OK," she said. However, she may be OK despite having lost her virginity to Marcus and the possibility of being pregnant soon!

When attorney Jaime Elarcosa completed his work as Gregory's solicitor, he waved farewell. "I'm only a phone call away, ladies, if you need me."

Paloma nodded, but her gaze remained fixed on Ella. Her maternal instincts alerted her to the fact that something was wrong with Daniella. "Is there something wrong?" she said in the tone of a mother speaking to her children.

Daniella's standard reaction to Paloma's enquiry was "none of your business," and she stormed out of the library to be alone.

Paloma choked back her cries as she watched Daniella go away. She had been patient with her for twenty years, but Greg's daughter was still refusing to accept her. Karma was a scumbag, and she got exactly what she deserved for abandoning her own child in favour of Ella. Perhaps it’s time for her to return to her own family.

Daniella, on the other hand, has taken a place in her heart, and she couldn't abandon her, especially given Gregory's recent death. The only reason she desired complete control over their riches was to punish her. Paloma felt certain that Daniella would achieve a great deal without her money. She was deep in thinking about how to win Daniella's heart when her phone rang.

"When are you coming home, Ma? I'm missing you."

"I'm sorry, Lilian. Greg recently died, and I am unable to leave Daniella alone," she stated, but her daughter shouted and refused to listen, then hung up. Lilian was very justified in being enraged with her. That was exactly what any daughter would do!

CHAPTER 7

Daniella was not ecstatic about her pregnancy. She had not yet taken a pregnancy test, but she was aware of her body and the signals. Her nose had grown hypersensitive to odours, and she felt the want to vomit the next morning. Her appetite had shifted as well, and she was no longer interested in eating her favourites. Recently, she has preferred foods that are oil-free, such as vegetable soups with a higher proportion of leafy greens.

She was repulsed by the odours of meat, seafood, and fragrances. What was frightening was that she looked forward to seeing Paloma's face each day. Could humans undergo dramatic changes? They were similar to a mouse and a cat a few weeks earlier. Indeed, she grabbed a picture frame from Paloma and transported it to her room.

If she was aware that pregnancy was not easy, she should have avoided attempting to retain what was hers and instead let Paloma triumph. She was rash, and she got exactly what she deserved.

She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she was surprised by Patty's words. “What?” She lashed out at Patty.

"Someone was searching for you, but your mother is refusing to allow him in. She stated that his identification needed to be verified by you," Patty responded.

"What’s his name?" She was not expecting anyone to pay her a visit.

"Your mother pressed me for time, and as a result, I neglected to take his name," she said uncomfortably. Daniella's face conveyed her displeasure at her intrusion. "However, he appeared to be a foreigner; his eyes were blue, and he was very tall." Patty persisted.

When Patty mentioned his blue eyes, only one person immediately sprang to mind. However, that could not be him. Perhaps a lost tourist? She thanked Patty and examined her reflection in the mirror. Given the humidity outdoors, she chose a cotton and flowery summer dress.

Daniella pulled her long hair back into a ponytail, powdered her face, and of course, applied lip colour to conceal her pallor. Paloma approached the man as he was conversing.

"Who is looking for?" She enquired.

"Hello, Dani," Marcus said as he extended his hand to meet her, and what followed was completely unexpected.

Daniella lost unconscious, and he was forced to bring her inside, followed by the woman who introduced herself as Paloma. Marcus considered the possibility that she was acting once more. However, Paloma worried and immediately directed the lady she dubbed Patty to get a doctor.

"There is no reason for a doctor," he said, preventing Patty from leaving.

"Who are you to make such a statement?" Paloma scolded Marcus for interfering with their family business.

"My name is Marcus Madrigal, Ma'am, and I'm worried that your daughter is pregnant with my child.”

“Daniella?” Paloma burst out laughing at the most amusing joke she had ever heard in her entire life. "You're joking," she said.

"Let's wait and see whether she believes me," Marcus challenged Paloma, who continued to deny Daniella's pregnancy.

"However, that is impossible! Who would have the audacity to do such a thing to her? She had not had a boyfriend since she was born!" Paloma maintained that Daniella could not be pregnant.

When he observed Dani had recovered consciousness and stirred, he approached her and inquired. "Are you okay, Dani?"

Daniella remained silent and pretended infirmity, but Paloma was quick to respond to the man's inquiry.

"Ella, what is he referring to when he says you're pregnant?" Paloma inquired and awaited Daniella's response.

Daniella closed her eyes and refused to speak about it, but her stepmother persisted in her inquiries. "What difference does it make if I am?" Paloma's eyes widened in amazement as she answered with a question.

"If you are, you are compelled to marry the bastard who conceived you." Paloma announced, glaring at Marcus Madrigal.

Marcus did not flinch in the face of Paloma's gaze, but he was taken aback by Daniella's laughter. "Is there anything amusing?"

"Don't you think Paloma is being amusing? Are you marrying me because I'm pregnant? Incredible!" She reasoned with Paloma, but the elder lady slammed the table in rage.

“Right. Marriage is not the sole option. We can just terminate the pregnancy,” Marcus proposed, and he came dangerously close to losing his hearing as both ladies cursed at him.

The prospect of marriage was startling, but when Marcus proposed abortion, she nearly sprung from her seat and attacked him. Daniella found Paloma's response amusing, considering her stepmother, who usually appeared royal and appropriate, had cursed Marcus.

"You have the audacity to say that!" Paloma yelled at the man who was sitting comfortably in their sofa. She was enraged when the bastard recommended aborting Daniella's pregnancy instead of declining her marriage proposal.

"I'm not ready,” he admitted.

"Marcus, my child will be fine without you. Simply leave now or my mother will shoot you with her shotgun," she said, but the guy remained seated and unafraid to look them in the eyes.

"Are you going to let him go? Ella, are you insane? Once he walks out the door, he will never return, and you will be permanently damaged!" Paloma objected to Daniella's easy departure of the bastard. Certainly not!

"Please, Ma, leave us alone." Daniella pleaded with Paloma to leave them alone, as she desired to speak quietly with Marcus.

Paloma walked away from the hostile pair, her mind occupied with devising a strategy for rescuing Greg's daughter from shame. She knew she would do the right thing as her mother, and she was certain Gregory would agree if he was still alive.

"All right, great, but please make a choice, sweetheart." Daniella regarded her as a mother for the first time, which was gratifying.

"I understand why you were anxious to conceive, Dani." Marcus stated immediately upon their arrival alone in the living room. “Are you serious about this?"

"I am not quite as callous as you, Marcus. You are correct; I am no longer required to have children, but how can you expect me to murder her even before she is not yet born? Please go now or I will call the cops," she said. How could he possibly be so inconsiderate toward their unborn child? Whatever her motive for being pregnant, she would never terminate the child.

"I will not leave until you agree to my idea!" As with you, I am entitled to do anything I choose with your pregnancy! Now, I'm admonishing you to abort!" He urged her to terminate the pregnancy.

Daniella was astounded by his obstinacy. "I'm telling you for the nth time that abortion is not an option. Now, either leave or go to HELL!" She lashed out at him. Her tolerance has worn thin as a result of his refusal to listen.

"Please, Dani..." he pleaded.

She was emotionally spent from her battle for her unborn child's right to life and sight. “Please….just leave.”

CHAPTER 8

Marcus fell silent for a few period and simply gazed at the woman who was too stubborn to terminate her pregnancy. To be sure, she might be an excellent mother for their child...

"Are you finished at this point?" Paloma entered the living room, carrying a tray of refreshments with her. She approached the quarreling couple and presented them with a glass of the cold beverage she had prepared herself in the kitchen. "You must be thirsty, judging by the noises coming from the kitchen," she added, intending to embarrass them.

They were both adults, so how come they couldn't communicate in a polite manner? After a few minutes, the Tylenol she had added with their beverages began to take action. Marcus and Daniella both fell asleep. Paloma sneered at them and sat across from them, her legs crossed.

"You tainted the beverage!" Marcus expressed his dissatisfaction when he thought something was amiss with his body. He was drowsy despite the fact that he had had enough sleep the night before, and who would feel sleepy immediately after sipping a cold juice?

Paloma pursed her lips but remained silent. She remained silent and only observed. She may be incorrect, but sometimes a person must take a risk in order to accomplish a goal.

Daniella casted a glance towards Paloma to ascertain Marcus' assertion regarding the lethal drink, but her stepmother only grinned, indicating that the guy was correct. She was demoralized to learn that Paloma was so nasty as to murder her.

"Isn't this the ideal crime? Marcus will be used as a scapegoat for my assassination!" She shouted at the elder lady and aimed daggers at her, but Paloma simply lifted her brows and sat there, undoubtedly anticipating them right in front of her eyes. "You are heinous!"

"Perhaps I am. In any case, there is only one way to withstand the poison. Get married immediately or I shall withhold the antidote!" Paloma responded.

Marcus was aware of how Daniella acquired her erratic conduct in Hong Kong. As mother, as daughter. "You've lost your mind!" Marcus became enraged at Daniella's mother. "All right, I'm going to marry her!" He needed to make a decision that would temporarily preserve his life.

"Marcus, you are wise." Paloma stated as she summoned the mayor, who was awaiting her signal. The Judge was opposed to the hasty marriage, and Paloma had to use some of her sleeve cards to persuade him. Following the ceremony, the paper work may begin.

Daniella was taken aback when she saw her godfather approach the living room, his face contrite towards her.

"Greetings, Ella. I understand your reluctance to allow this man to marry another lady. He's rather handsome, in any case; let's proceed with the ceremony now."

Daniella pinched her brow at his words, but he proceeded with the ceremony and five minutes later, they were proclaimed husband and wife. Marcus kissed her lips as Paloma photographed the incident to prove that a wedding took transpired within their home. It happened so quickly that her thoughts was still someplace else.

"I'm delighted for you, Ella. Are you pleased that he has become yours?" Edwin inquired about her goddaughter following the ceremony. He desired to join them in celebrating, but Paloma informed him that Daniella desired to be alone with her new spouse. "Look after Ella, Marcus. "I wish you all a happily ever after," he remarked as he said his farewells to everyone.

"Edwin, hold on," Paloma pleaded with Gregory's buddy, thanking him for being present at the appropriate time.

"Perfect. Tell everyone we're going on a trip, Patty!" Paloma announced following Edwin's departure. She had previously reserved numerous accommodations on Sumilon Island. "In fifteen minutes, we're going," she continued, and Patty rushed up to alert everyone. "Ella, you remain here with Marcus while I take care of everyone," she added.

"You...are you going to abandon me? Are you with him?" Daniella was taken aback by what Paloma had said. How could she have blind faith in Marcus? He may be an assassin or a thief who simply waited for the right moment to attack.

"You are now a wedded pair!" Paloma stated before entering her bedroom to get her belongings for the trip.

She understood why her father admired Paloma. The lady was fiery, intelligent, and possessed an independent mind. "Wait a minute; where is the antidote?" She inquired as to when Paloma would return with her backpack and was prepared to depart. After what happened, she nearly forgot about it.

"Sorry, there is no antidote," Paloma responded and shifted her gaze away from her.

"Did you mislead us? How audacious are you? Mom!” She yelled at the lady in frustration. When she glanced at Marcus, his face was pale and he was most likely afraid of dying. Who wouldn't?

"Ella, there is no poison. It's simply a sleeping tablet, and the dosage was incorrect. Consider him; he's simply sleepy!" She stated as her hips moved away from them.