ANGELA

At the recently achieved age of 20, I stand as the eldest of six siblings: Gael nearing 16, the triplet brothers Andrey, Agustin, and Alonso just over ten, and little Blanca who's six. I deeply cherish my father, Angel Walton; his unwavering support has pampered me throughout, much like Grandfather Axel and Great-grandfather Agustin. Although Grandma does spoil me, she knew how to set boundaries, much like Mom, and for that, I dearly love them all.

My fifteenth birthday marked my official introduction to high society as the Walton heir, a lavish affair indeed. But nothing prepared me for the revelation my parents had in store post-celebration. On that day, I received a gift from Uncle Hugo—my memories flash back to Aunt Paola's wedding, where Dad whispered of Hugo's illness and promised we'd see him again if he recuperated. But it was not to be; the only trace of him I got was that birthday present, unveiling a painful truth—I didn’t carry Walton blood.

This revelation initially stung, creating distance between Dad and me, but soon I grasped the depth of his love, blood related or not. An unequivocal gesture, he named me his primary heir despite the absence of shared DNA. Whether fate or coincidence made him my father, I can't say, but I adore him—my dad. Perhaps one day, I'll face Hugo Mars and converse. He vanished overseas with his nanny when I was ten and, according to Mom, slipped into oblivion until that token appeared on my momentous fifteenth.

But such concerns are bygones; if Hugo Mars ever wishes to reconnect, he knows where to find me. Both my parents agree, so should he return, it would pose no resistance.

Gael, my brother, tends to gravitate towards seriousness, always immersed in personal ventures, his schemes a mystery. Despite this, we trust him implicitly; trouble is foreign to him, his decisions always measured and thoughtful, earning him our parents' trust.

The triplets are a force of their own—untidy, impish, and inclined towards pranks and exploration. Their affinity for animals led to the gift of a dog following the loss of my cherished pup two years ago, aged and burdened from a bustling home of six children. Now, I have Snow—a gift from Aunt Paola—a pristine white rabbit I adore and keep close, in my room or snuggled on my bed.

Blanca, our littlest, is a treasure. She came into our lives when her own mother abandoned her. While our parents searched for her, the woman had severed all ties with Blanca. Thus, she became our sister; despite being the sweetest child with striking blue eyes and the truth of her adoption known, like me, she remains untroubled by not sharing Dad’s blood. He cherishes us equally; we do the same for him and Mom.

I've just completed my degree in business administration, surprisingly ahead of time. I relish learning, and the university content was largely familiar, given that I've been shadowing Dad at the company since twelve. His role—teacher, father, friend, and partner—remains unparalleled. He knows of my gratitude for never demeaning me over lineage.

Blissfully asleep in my expansive bed when suddenly, I feel pressed down—instinct tells me it's Blanca.

"Blanca, get off; there's enough room," I murmur, eyes still shut.

"No, I like sleeping here," she counters, resisting distance. I pull her in for a tight embrace, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"What time is it? I have an appointment at the company, and you've got school," I say, still embracing her.

"I don't want to study," Blanca whines, that beautiful yet lethargic girl, bright but unmotivated in academics.

"Blanca, please get up. I have work, and Dad's expecting me at the office," I coax her with tickles.

"Ha! Alright, stop!" Blanca giggles.

"What's going on here?" Mom inquires with a smile upon entering my room.

"This lazy one doesn't wish to attend classes," I answer.

"Well, then. You get ready; your father just left and said he’d wait for you. He mentioned an important matter to discuss," Mom informs.

"Here's your slacker; I'm off," I say, rising from the bed and dashing to the shower. As I bathe, Blanca's laughter resonates, soon quieting—I presume Mom's convincing won her over, as usual.

Post-shower, I slip into office attire, brush my long, dark hair, and apply minimal makeup. I grab my purse and head down for breakfast, finding Gael at the table.

"Good morning, handsome. How are you?" I greet cheerfully.

"Good, beautiful. Can you drop me at high school? The triplets are still out, and I don’t want to be late waiting for them. If you could, Tomas will bring them," Gael requests.

"Sure, we’ll swing by on my way," I reply.

"Good morning. Your breakfast is ready," Grandma says, ever attentive.

"Thanks, Grandma. You're always so caring," I appreciate her effort.

"You know I love looking after you," she replies.

"Yes, but you should also rest," Gael suggests.

"She’s right. Take time for yourself," I chime in.

"That won't be happening. You won't get rid of me that easily," Grandma Rocio asserts.

"Well, do consider it," we continue our breakfast, and as we finish, Mom, the triplets, and Blanca enter.

"I'm off, Mother. I love you. See you in the afternoon," I bid farewell with a kiss to each, and Gael does the same except for Mom and Grandma.

"So, why the rush? You've got time to wait for the triplets," I question as we head to my car.

"I've got a date," Gael reveals shyly.

"Really? And who's the lucky girl who scored a date with my little brother?" I inquire, curious.

"I'm the lucky one," he blushes, and I glance over.

We drive in silence, mindful of his discomfort. My own dating history is nonexistent—I never found boys at school compelling enough to venture into dating. At high school, I catch sight of the girl anticipating Gael.

"Seriously? You're dating Luz? Uncle Camilo and Aunt Bianca are going to have your head," I warn.

"Please keep it to yourself, alright? You've no clue the lengths I went to for even a coffee date with her," Gael pleads.

"Your secret’s safe with me, but if you mess up, don't implicate me in your knowledge of the date," I caution him.

"I won't tell a soul. Thanks," he says, exiting the car.

I watch them briefly, admiring my brother's chivalrous act of carrying Luz's backpack. If Uncle Camilo knew...

After dropping Gael off, I head straight to the office, parking my car in the private lot designated for company owners—Dad and key partners.

Stepping out, only four cars occupy the lot. Near the elevator, an odd sound arrests my attention—a baby's cry. Locating the gray-eyed child, dressed in a tiny suit, wailing at about a year old, feels surreal.

"Hello there, little one. Where's your mommy?" I extend my arms, embracing him as he seeks refuge. The word "mama" escapes his lips between sobs, catching me off guard.

"Shh, no need for tears," I soothe the feverish child. A meeting with Dad awaits, yet I’m certain he'll understand this predicament.

I text Aunt Paola, heading to her clinic, calling for a pediatrician. She's taken aback, but I assure an explanation later. A message to Dad speaks of a delay due to unforeseen circumstances, promising clarity later.

Unaware of this little one's guardians, his vulnerability compels my protection. But what business does such a delicate, presumably well-off child have alone in a parking lot? And with a fever, at that—where are his parents?

ANGELA

I arrived at the clinic and my aunt, godmother Paola was waiting for me, she didn't understand why I had a baby, but she didn't ask and the other doctor checked the baby who kept crying and extended his arms for me to hug him again and called me mom.

"Take him or he will not be checked," said my aunt and I took him in my arms to calm him down and he calmed down immediately.

They gave him medicine for the fever and took some samples, when they took the samples I stayed in a room with the little one in my arms under the gaze of my aunt.

"Where did you get that child from," my aunt asked.

"Well, when I arrived at the company's private parking lot I found him alone crying, there was no one else around so I took him in my arms, as I saw he had a fever I brought him here," I answered.

"and you didn't think he could be the son of one of your father's partners? paola"

"Godmother of course I thought about it, but I know dad's partners and they don't have one year old children, the youngest is ten years old, unless I have a new partner that I haven't been introduced to," I answered.

"call your dad and tell him, you know he is always looking for new investments and if he has a new partner this baby could be his, my aunt godmother."

I stroked the baby's hair until he fell asleep and then dialed my dad's number.

"Angela Walton, may I know why you didn't come to the meeting," my father asks a bit angrily.

📱papi beautiful, do not be angry, if I arrived at the company, but I had an unforeseen event in the parking lot, - I answered.

📱what an unforeseen and I hope it is something convenient, in addition to all the evils Mr. kuznetsov's grandson was lost, he and his son are like crazy,- I looked at the little one sleeping in my arms and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Dad, is Mr. Kuznetsov's grandson by any chance about a year old with gray eyes?" I asked, since he happens to be the only one of Dad's partners I don't know because he is Russian and has never come to the country to do personal business, he always sends his lawyers.

"Let me call the father and grandfather, I will prune you in a loud voice," after a few seconds my father spoke again, - yes, daughter, the description is as you said, did you see the baby?

📱well, the little unexpected thing I had was that when I got to the elevator I heard a cry and I went to see where it came from, I found the little baby crying and walking alone in the parking lot, so I took him in my arms and I realized he had a fever so I brought him to my aunt Paola's clinic, I'm sorry daddy I should have warned you, I was sorry.

"I'm going to kill that nanny," came a cold voice on the other end of the line.

📱 Daughter, the baby's name is Anton, we'll go to the clinic right away, said my father.

📱 I'll wait for you, I love you daddy, I ended the call and looked at the prince.

"uff I think your nanny is in grave danger, but that's what she gets for not taking good care of you, little Anton," I left a kiss on his chubby cheeks and lay down next to him on the bed.

After a while the doctor came back and said that he was fine and that maybe the fever was due to so much crying, Prince Anton and I stayed playing in the room with some toys that my godmother lent us, then I started a tickle war with the little naughty boy until the door opened and I could see a very tall and handsome man with the same gray eyes as the little boy next to me.

"Dad," spoke the little boy to confirm that he is his dad, I had heard that Russian men were tall but this one is too tall.

"Hello Miss, I apologize if my son caused you any inconvenience," he spoke with a thick voice and without showing any kind of expression.

"No, don't worry, I had a lot of fun taking care of him, he's a very cute boy," I replied and gave him a kiss on his chubby cheeks and he hugged me by the neck.

"Your father and my father are waiting for us at the restaurant across the street, I have already spoken to the doctor so we can leave whenever you like," said Anton's father.

"Alright, let's go," I said, taking my things with the baby in my arms since I didn't want to let go of him, and followed Don Ice to the restaurant in front of the clinic. And if he didn't show up and seems like an ice cube, so he's ice radon, what a lack of manners.

"Princess," my father says as soon as he sees me.

"Hi dad," I gave him a kiss.

"Anton, come with grandpa, you scared us so much," the baby laughed and went into his grandfather's arms.

"The nanny who neglected him has been fired, we are looking for a good agency that guarantees the care of our little Anton, maybe you can recommend one, Mr. Walton, since you have six children, you must have a trusted nanny," Anton's dad spoke, whose name I haven't heard until now.

"Dimitir, we do have six children, but we never had a nanny, only my wife's grandmother helps us, and although we insist that she should take time for herself, she insists on staying at home. But I have friends who used nannies, so I will ask for a recommendation and inform you and your father," my dad replied.

"I would appreciate that, my friend. Since we decided to stay in the country, we must find someone who takes good care of Anton when we are working," Mr. Ivan Kuznetsov, Anton's grandfather,"said."

"Well, since you're here, she is my daughter, my heiress and pride. She helps me with important matters of the company, so you will be working closely with her. She is the eldest of my children, Angela Walton," my dad introduced.

"Nice to meet you. I am Ivan, this is my son Dimitir, and you already met the youngest one, Anton," Mr."Ivan said."

"The pleasure is all mine, but dad, I have to go to the company. I left some matters unresolved," I expressed.

"Alright, go. But if you stay late, call Tomas to pick you up, Angela. I don't want to see you coming home late at night alone," my overprotective father said.

"Alright, dad," I gave him a kiss and said goodbye to the beautiful prince with a kiss and a wave to his grandfather and father, Mr. Ice.

The child looks like his father, both are handsome, but the big difference is that Anton is so sweet and tender, while his dad seems very cold, like ice. If he smiled more, all the women would melt for him. I am curious to see what he looks like when he laughs. It must be a sight worth seeing him laugh. With that in mind, I head to the office to finish some pending tasks.

I have an office in front of my dad's, where I work with all the administration and new hires, as well as some small businesses. Although he told me that he would start giving me big projects so that I can familiarize myself with everything, and when Gael finishes his studies, we can run the company without any problems, and he can finally retire.

ANGELA

I was working the rest of the afternoon and to my good fortune I finished just in time for dinner, tomas came for me so I had to leave my car at the company, on the way we were a little late because of a car accident, so we were late for dinner and when I got home I happened to find Mr. and Mrs. Kuznetsov coming out of the mansion.

"Good evening Miss Walton, I see you are late, did you work a lot, Mr. Ivan Kuznetsov with a smile while Mr. Don Huelo stands silently behind him with his face expressionless."

"Good evening Mr. Kuznetsov, no, I finished working a while ago, it's just that when we were coming here we had a car accident and we had to wait a long time," I answered with my best smile to Mr. Ivan Kuznetsov.

"Well, we were having dinner with your family which is very beautiful and big, now that we will work very closely, we must strengthen the relationship between our families and we also wanted to thank you for taking care of my grandson Anton, Mr. Ivan."

"No, it was nothing, your grandson is beautiful and very sweet, it was a pleasure for me to take care of him," I answered.

"Father, it is already late, Miss Walton must be tired," said Mr. Ice without showing any emotion.

"you are right son, Miss, we will see you tomorrow at the company, your father lent us a couple of offices there while the construction of ours is being finished," Mr. Ivan Kuznetsov.

"It will be a pleasure to see him again, why his son with that icy face I don't think anyone would want to see him often even if he is handsome if he doesn't show any emotion there is no point in such beauty."

I said goodbye to Mr. Ivan and he left with his son who remained silent and left with him, when I entered the living room there were my mom and dad giving each other a kiss.

"Hey, go to your room," I said and they separated.

And the thing is that my parents seem to love you more and more every day, they are always showing their love for each other and they always tell each other everything, they are such a strong couple, I think that's the reason why I have never accepted to go out with any of my mom and dad's kids that have asked me out, let's say that my expectations in love were set very high by my parents and I don't think I'm satisfied with a common love.

"Princess, why didn't you come to dinner, my dad?"

"There was an accident on the road and it delayed us a little bit," I greeted them both with a kiss.

"Well, I'll go and ask them to prepare you something to eat, let's hope your grandmother is already asleep and doesn't want to prepare it herself."

"I don't think so mommy, she must be out there waiting to see what to do," I commented and my grandmother never rests even if she is sick,

I remember when I was ten years old and she was very sick, but because it was my birthday she stood up and made my birthday cake with her own hands.

"that's for sure daughter," my mom went to the kitchen and I stayed in the living room with my paoa who hugged me tightly.

"Dad, stop it," I asked because it squeezes me.

"When did you grow up so much my little girl? my daddy"

"I haven't been a child for a long time, but I will always be your little girl," I answered.

"you and your mom were the nicest chance that life could have given me" my father

"And you are the best daddy I could have ever had, by any chance," I said.

"you and your mom brightened my life," my paoa t I'm noticing that you are sentimental.

"What's wrong, daddy?" I asked.

"Well, these are unimportant things, I just want you to know that I, your father, will always take care of you, you are my child, my angela and no matter what happens I will always put your welfare first," my dad.

"Why do you say that?" I asked suspiciously.

"you're welcome, you'd better tell me what you think of the Kuznetsovs, my dad."

"Mr. Ivan and his grandson are very nice, but this Dimitri is like an iceberg and rude," I answered sincerely.

"Yes, Dimitri is very mysterious, but I think it's because he has suffered a lot or that's what I've been told, my dad."

"Why are you asking me my opinion about them," I asked.

"They propose a business that will triple our fortune. But I don't know if you and Gael will be the ones to manage the fortune in a few years, and I don't want to leave them with bad businesses. Besides, they want me to send someone from the family to strengthen ties in Russia. Your grandparents can't go anymore, so it could only be me and you would be in charge of all the businesses with Ivan's son, and I would travel to Russia for a month. There's also the possibility that you travel and I stay, but I know you have plans here, that's why I say I'll go, so that you are well here and can achieve your goals" my dad.

"Yes, Dad, you know I'm going to start a specialization and start a digital business with Gael and Juliana, my college companion," I replied.

"Yes, and I know all that's why I told the Kuznetsovs that I'll be the one to travel. Your mom will accompany me for two weeks and then she'll come back to help you with everything," my dad.

"Well, if you think it's the best and trust that I can do it, I'll give my best not to disappoint you. When are you leaving?" I inquired.

"We're leaving in a couple of days. Before that, we have to welcome the Kuznetsovs to our company. They will have offices in our main building while they finish construction of their new building," my dad commented.

"Yes, Mr. Ivan mentioned something about it," I mentioned.

"Here's dinner for the princess," announces my grandmother Rocio with a tray full of food.

"Grandma, you should be resting," I questioned her.

"And you should have already had dinner, so young lady, go eat," my grandmother.

"Yes, she will have dinner, but you will rest, Grandma. I'll take care of the rest," my mom.

"Well, I just wanted to see the princess," my grandmother, who gave me some kisses and then went to rest, and I started eating.

"Did you tell her about the trip?" my mom.

"Yes, I just forgot to tell you that your grandfather Axel and your grandmother are coming to stay in the mansion to watch over the little ones," my dad.

"Well, I'm happy with the grandparents here," I replied.

"We know, they spoil you a lot," my mom.

I had dinner with them by my side, and after saying goodnight to my parents, I went up to my room. As soon as I entered, I noticed that the little escape artist had already infiltrated my room. I sighed and resigned myself, entering the shower, changing into my pajamas, and then laying down next to the little stowaway, who didn't take more than two seconds to turn around and hug me.