The news that Sally is pregnant brings unexpected joy to the Mercedes family. The children were overjoyed, their eyes twinkling with excitement to have a new sibling. Joaquin, on the other hand, could not hide his happiness. The arrival of a new member in their family is a proof that their love continues to grow and bear fruit, even in the midst of trials.
But despite their happiness, the shadows of the past still linger. The case against Joaquin is still ongoing, and Katharina's threats remain hanging over their heads.
One day, while Sally was relaxing in their garden, Joaquin approached her, carrying a basket of fresh fruits.
"My dear, how are you feeling?" asked Joaquin, as he helped Sally to sit on a bench.
"I still get a little dizzy sometimes," Sally replied, rubbing her stomach. "But I'm happy because our baby is healthy."
Joaquin smiled and kissed Sally on the forehead. "Me too, my love," he said. "I can't wait to see our son."
"Me too, Joaquin," answered Sally, while smiling. "But I'm afraid. What if we can't protect our son from people who want to hurt us?"
"Don't worry, Sally," Joaquin comforted. "I will do everything to protect you. I will not let anything bad happen to you."
In those moments, Sally felt Joaquin's love and support. He knows that no matter what happens, he will always have someone to lean on.
Weeks passed, and Sally's belly gradually grew. Joaquin was more careful with her, and he made sure she was always in good shape. Joaquin often accompanies her to her check-ups, and he always offers to help with household chores.
One day, while Sally and Joaquin were walking in the park, they saw George sitting on a bench, deep in thought. They approached it and greeted it.
"George, how are you?" asked Joaquin.
"It's all right," answered George, but it was obvious from his face that something was bothering him.
"Is there a problem?" asked Sally, looking into George's eyes.
"Nothing," George replied, but he couldn't look directly at them.
Sally and Joaquin know that George is hiding something. But they did not force him to speak. Instead, they invited him to join them at a coffee shop so they could talk in depth.
When they arrived at the coffee shop, they ordered their favorite drinks and sat down in a quiet corner. After a while, George spoke.
"I would like to apologize to you," he said, bowing his head.
"Why, George?" asked Joaquin, surprised by what he said.
"Because of what I did before," answered George. "I know I hurt you guys a lot, and I can't forgive myself for that."
"George, we forgave what you did a long time ago," said Sally, while holding George's hand. "The important thing is that you learn from your mistakes."
"Thank you, Sally," replied George, smiling. "But I have one more thing I want to tell you."
"What's that, George?" asked Joaquin.
"I wanted to tell you I'm leaving," George admitted.
Sally and Joaquin were surprised by what they heard. They didn't expect George to say this.
"Where are you going?" asked Sally.
"Overseas," answered George. "I want to start a new life, away from all the bad memories."
Sally sighed. He understands George's decision. He knew he had to walk away to start over.
"George, be careful," said Sally, as she hugged George. "I hope you are happy in your new life."
"Thank you, Sally," George replied, hugging Sally too. "You too, I hope you'll be happy."
George looked at Joaquin and held out his hand. "Joaquin, please forgive me for everything I've done," he said.
Joaquin accepted George's hand and smiled. "I forgive you, George," he replied. "I hope everything goes well for you."
George said goodbye and left. Sally and Joaquin were left hugging each other. Despite the sadness they feel, they know this is the right decision for George. He needs to walk away to start over and find his true happiness.
With the departure of George and the arrival of new life in the Mercedes family, Sally and Joaquin thought that their lives were gradually returning to normal. But there seems to be a shadow that continues to follow them-a shadow that is destined to disturb their peace once again.
One night, as Sally lay in their bed, she felt a heavy weight in her stomach. Although she was used to the simple pains that came with her pregnancy, now it felt heavier and more painful than before. Joaquin immediately supports her, but their peaceful night is interrupted when Joaquin's cellphone rings on the bedside table.
Joaquin remained silent, his eyes fixed on the phone. It wasn't registered in his contacts, but he had a strange feeling enveloping him.
"Who could it be at this hour?" Sally whispered as she wiped sweat from her forehead.
Joaquin was speechless as he picked up the phone. "I don't know," he answered, slightly taken aback, but forced himself to remain calm.
He answered the call, and in an instant, his face went cold. His brow furrowed, and his once cheerful expression was replaced by concern. He turned his back on Sally and went to the balcony to talk quietly.
"Who called?" Sally asked, her voice shaking, but Joaquin didn't answer her. His every move seems to be shrouded in nervousness.
On the other line, Joaquin heard a familiar voice-a voice he thought he would never hear again. "Don't you remember me, Joaquin?" asked the voice, cold and full of scorn.
"Katharina?" Joaquin was stunned for a moment, the name almost made his heart stop beating. He never expected to hear from the woman who was once a part of his complicated past.
"I miss you so much, Joaquin. You know I came back to fix everything we started?" The soft tone of Katharina's voice was full of menace.
Joaquin was speechless, but his jaw tightened. He felt the memories he had been trying to put out of his mind come back again. The intrigues, the sins, and the things that almost destroyed his life. Now, it seems a ghost from the past is coming back to terrorize them again.
"Why are you calling, Katharina? Haven't you caused enough trouble for us yet?" Joaquin asked, almost whispering but each word full of anger.
"You really miss being angry too, Joaquin," answered Katharina, laughing slightly on the other line. "But that's not the only reason I'm here. Be careful, Joaquin. You don't know who your allies are now. Your downfall is near, and you can't blame me for that."
After hearing Katharina's warning, Joaquin hangs up. He tried to stay calm, but couldn't get the woman's threat out of his mind. He knew that Katharina was not joking, especially that she had the ability to manipulate people and situations.
When he came back into the room, Sally was looking at him, worry evident on her face. "Who is that?" Sally asked, but Joaquin was reluctant to answer her. He knew that revealing the details now would only bring more tension to Sally that she should be avoiding stressing.
"That's nothing, dear. Just an old friend. Don't worry about it," replied Joaquin, trying to avoid a direct answer.
But Sally was not happy with his answer. "Joaquin, you know you can't put me through this. I know you," he answered, looking intently. "Who called?"
Joaquin fell on his forehead. He knew he couldn't lie to Sally. "That's Katharina," he said, as he approached his wife and sat her on the edge of the bed. "He's back."
When Sally heard Katharina's name, she seemed to lose her breath. This was not the news he expected to hear tonight. He knows that Katharina's name is a symbol of trouble and trials in their married life. They have talked many times about the goodness of keeping it out of their lives.
"What does he mean by your falling?" Sally asked, her voice shaking.
Before Joaquin could answer, a loud sound was heard from their door. They were both surprised, and Joaquin immediately got up to see what it was. A letter was revealed to him, left on the front door.
Joaquin picked up the envelope. No name written or anything. He opened it and saw a photograph-a picture of their family, Sally, Joaquin, and the children, but with a gruesome detail attached. There was a big red X mark on their faces.
"Joaquin, what is that?" Sally asked worriedly, seeing her husband's look as if he was getting cold.
Joaquin immediately pocketed the picture, but it was too late. Sally had seen the picture and the ominous threat etched on it.
"Honey, we have to be ready," Joaquin said, but the tremor was evident in his voice. "This is not a simple warning. Someone is planning to harm us."
"Did Katharina do this?" Sally asked, kneeling on the edge of the bed, her hands sliding down her stomach.
"I don't know," Joaquin answered, but he knew there was a high possibility that Katharina was behind it. He also knew it wouldn't end with a simple threat. They need to act before the situation worsens.
---
A few days later, Joaquin remained anxious. He has taken out all the security that can be done for their family. He posted guards at their house, and made sure that Sally and the children were always safe. But despite all these steps, he still feels unprepared for anything that might happen.
One morning, while Joaquin was driving to the office, he received a call from his lawyer. "Joaquin, you need to get here immediately. New evidence has come out against your case. It's not going well."
"What do you mean?" asked Joaquin, while driving his car fast. "I thought the case was almost over?"
"I thought so too, Joaquin," answered the lawyer. "But there are new documents that have been released. It seems that someone has given testimony against you, and there is a good chance that you will go to jail."
Joaquin suddenly felt heavy. He remembered what Katharina had said in their last conversation-that she didn't know who her allies were now. Now, it's crystal clear that someone is moving to bring him down, and it's possibly Katharina.
---
When he arrived at his lawyer's office, he was shown the documents. This is a detailed report from a former employee of Joaquin, accusing him of corruption and improper business practices. Although they are untrue, the former employee's testimony is enough to cause serious problems in Joaquin's case.
"Joaquin, we need to take care of this immediately. Otherwise, your name will be ruined," said the lawyer.
But that's not what Joaquin is thinking about now. His name is not the only thing at stake. His family's security, Sally's safety, and the future of their children are also at stake. He has to take action, and he has to protect everyone he loves, no matter the cost.
While Joaquin was thinking about the next steps, mul
when his phone rang. An unknown number calls again.
Joaquin stared at the screen of his phone, and with a deep sigh, he answered the call.
"Be careful, Joaquin. We're closer than you think," threatened the voice from the other line, before finally cutting the call.
In the middle of the dark cloud that surrounds the lives of Sally and Joaquin, the tension seems to be getting more intense with each passing day. Despite the hope of a new life in Sally's womb, a shadow continues to fight to destroy their peace. Katharina's threats are no longer just threats. Now, they feel the weight of every move and the danger that accompanies their steps.
One afternoon, while Joaquin was on his way home from his lawyer's office, he decided to take a quiet road that he often used when he wanted to think. His mind was still reeling from the new evidence that had been brought out against him. He couldn't believe that someone-even a former employee-had spread false accusations. He knew there was a deeper reason for all of this. Katharina's movements are clear; it was a plan to destroy not only his business but his family.
While he was driving down the road, his car suddenly stopped. It seems that something is broken in the machine. He immediately got out to check, but he hadn't gone far when he heard footsteps coming from behind his car.
"Good afternoon, Joaquin," he heard a cold voice from the darkness of the trees along the road. He didn't immediately recognize the voice, but he felt a strange force around him. He slowly turned around, ready to face whoever was behind those words.
A man stepped out of the shadows, tall and with a cruel expression on his face. "Do you think you can get away?" the man asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Who are you?" Joaquin asked, hiding the nervousness that suddenly enveloped his body. He knew it wasn't something to be taken lightly, especially in the middle of everything that was going on.
"I?" The man grinned, walking closer to Joaquin. "I'm just a messenger. Someone sent me to deliver this message to you."
Joaquin didn't have time to ask any more questions when the man suddenly pulled a gun from his back and pointed it at him. Joaquin's heart beat suddenly, but he tried to stay calm. He can't rush, not now. Too dangerous.
"Tell the one who sent you, I'm not afraid," Joaquin said firmly, although he knew he had to be careful with every step and word. "I know what you're playing, and I won't let you ruin our lives."
But the man did not answer. Instead, he held the gun closer to Joaquin's face, seemingly threatening a cruel event. Joaquin felt the cold steel on his skin, but he didn't pull back. He knew that showing fear would signal their victory.
"Pass this on to Katharina," Joaquin continued, looking straight into the man's eyes. "He will not succeed."
It took a few more seconds before the man let go of the gun, but it left behind words that seemed to rise again from the darkness. "That's good," the man whispered. "Because next time, I won't hesitate."
---
After arriving at the house, Sally immediately noticed Joaquin's strange behavior. He was sitting in the kitchen, silent and seemingly deep in thought. He approached her, touched his wife's shoulder and smiled. "Honey, is there a problem?" he asked, but he knew Joaquin was going through something deeper.
Joaquin didn't answer right away. He didn't want to worry Sally, especially since she was about to give birth. But he also knows that secrets cannot be kept, especially with the threats that are chasing them now.
"Si Katharina," Joaquin began, looking into Sally's eyes. "He keeps sending people to scare me, to destroy us. And she's not the only one, Sally. There are others."
Sally was filled with nervousness, but she knew she had to be strong for Joaquin. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Someone is trying to destroy me," Joaquin continued, he sighed before continuing. "There is evidence against me-lies-and they are using it to hasten my downfall. I don't know who's really behind it, but I know it's connected to Katharina."
Sally hugged Joaquin, trying to calm her husband down. "I will not leave you, Joaquin. Let's fight this, you're not alone," he whispered, his determination deep. But despite Sally's bravery, she still has feelings for their family.
---
The next day, Joaquin started the move to protect his business and name. He talked to his lawyers and made sure every detail of his business was clean. But while Joaquin was busy with legal measures, Sally gradually felt the weight of the threats.
One day, while he was visiting his doctor for a check-up, he felt as if he was being followed. At first, he thought he was just tired or maybe it was just an effect of stress, but soon he noticed a black SUV that seemed to always be around whenever he left the house.
He tried to think that it might just be a coincidence, but he couldn't help but be nervous. After his check-up, the doctor told him that he needed to rest and avoid worrying too much. But how can he be calm if their every move seems to be watched?
When he got home, Joaquin greeted him, the worry on his face was obvious. "Honey, how was the check-up?" Joaquin asked, trying to hide his own nervousness.
"It's okay," Sally replied, but she couldn't hold back the pent-up fear. "But Joaquin, I have to tell you something."
He looked into Joaquin's eyes, and there he said his feelings. "Someone is following me."
---
Joaquin was surprised by what he heard. He immediately spoke to Sally and found out the details. "When is this?" he asked, his voice filled with trepidation.
"Not long ago," Sally replied, eyes wide with fear. "It's been a few days, Joaquin. But I just noticed that it wasn't a coincidence."
Joaquin wasted no time. He immediately called security personnel to guard Sally and their home. But deep down, he knew it wasn't enough. Their enemies are smarter than expected. They don't just watch from afar; they seem to have a deeper and more dangerous plan.
As the night deepened, Joaquin felt the weight of responsibility. Not only his name and business are at stake, but also the safety of his family. Sally, the kids, and their soon-to-be child-they were the reason he had to fight.
---
When midnight comes, Sally is asleep, but Joaquin is still awake, thinking about the next steps. Sometimes, he would look out the window, as if waiting for anything that might happen. He watched for a few more hours, but nothing unusual happened. However, he knew he couldn't be complacent.
At three o'clock in the morning, while the surroundings were quiet, suddenly a rustling was heard from outside their house. He immediately got up, took a flashlight and slowly approached the door. He could hear his heart beating as he slowly opened the door.
When he peeked outside, no one was there. But he felt something was wrong. He looked around carefully and noticed a shadow moving
on the side of the house.
"There is no doubt, there is someone here," he whispered to himself.
He immediately called their security team, but before the guards could get close, Joaquin heard loud footsteps approaching their front door. Joaquin stood in front of the door, ready to defend his family.
A loud crash echoed around. And before Joaquin could speak, he felt a great force hit him, causing him to fall to the floor.
The whole house seemed filled with fear and tension that night. When Joaquin hit the floor, he immediately felt the weight of someone hitting him. He tried to get up, but before he could get up completely, he felt a hand firmly stop him.
"Do you think you can escape, Joaquin?" a cold voice came from the darkness. He didn't immediately recognize the voice, but he knew it wasn't Katharina. A man from the shadows of his past-a man who serves a greater plan.
Joaquin tried to shake off the weakness. He remembered the moments when he had to be strong-in business decisions, in family conflicts-and now, more than ever, he had to stay strong for his family. When he got out of the stranger's hand, Joaquin suddenly attacked. He used his weight and pushed the man towards the wall.
The sound of a body falling to the floor was heard, but before he could get out to call for help, another enemy peeked through the door. Joaquin's heart beat faster and faster. Deep inside, he had to find a way to get out and save his family.
As the second man threatened to approach, Joaquin thought quickly. He saw a glass sitting on a table near him. He had no choice but to use it as a weapon. He took the glass and threw it with all his might in the man's direction. It hit him in the side of the head, and the opponent fell back, apparently confused by the sudden attack.
Joaquin quickly ran towards the stairs. He wanted to make sure Sally and the kids were safe. As he ran upstairs, he heard rustling noises behind him. The men also climb quickly, wasting no time. He had to be ahead of them.
---
Sally was already upstairs, awake and the nervousness on her face was obvious. He knew something strange was going on down there, especially since Joaquin wasn't coming back. He immediately got up from the bed and turned on the light. When he saw Joaquin approaching, he immediately met him.
"Joaquin, what's going on?" Sally asked, her voice shaking as she held her stomach.
"There are people in the house, Sally," Joaquin said, his breathing obviously fast. "We have to leave. We have to save the children."
Sally was surprised. He never thought they would reach this point-their very home was being invaded by enemies. But despite his fear, he knew he couldn't send. He has to be strong for his family.
"Liam! The twins!" Sally suddenly remembered, immediately rushing towards their children's room.
They hurried to the twins' room. They immediately took the children, who at that moment were still sleeping quietly. With every second, Joaquin feels the threat approaching. They have to get out before everyone gets caught.
Once they got the kids, they hurried down to the back door. But before they could get out, Joaquin felt a cold iron on his neck.
"Did you think you could escape?" the voice of the man he first encountered downstairs. It didn't let Sally and Joaquin go out without a fight. Sally felt nervous, as she hugged their son Liam tightly.
---
Joaquin's mind spun quickly. He couldn't give in to fear, not now. He noticed a cupboard close to the left, and in a quick move, he suddenly turned and pushed the cupboard down on the man.
He was able to use the few seconds of confusion to get the gun out of the enemy's hand. Joaquin pushed the man away, as the weapon fell to the floor. He grabbed it and stood up, ready to face whoever came in next.
"Don't come any closer," Joaquin said firmly, pointing the gun at the man. At that moment, Joaquin could feel the tension, but he tried to stay calm. He knows one wrong move and it can lead to tragedy.
There were a few seconds of silence. The man began to back away, apparently realizing his defeat. When the enemy finally retreated, Joaquin dragged Sally and the children out of the house.
"Let's hurry!" Joaquin shouted, wasting no more time. They ran towards their car parked outside.
---
As Joaquin ran quickly, he felt the weight of the situation. He knew it wasn't just a simple attack. There is a greater force moving to destroy them. This is not random. Katharina's threats were real and now, alive with their every move.
"Joaquin, where are we going?" Sally asked, shaking as she hugged the children in the back of the car. He knew they were no longer safe in their home.
"I don't know," Joaquin answered, his voice filled with worry, but he was trying to hide his fear. "We just have to get away. We need to find a safe place."
When they stopped in a dark part of town, Joaquin suddenly stopped. He looked at Sally, I could see in his eyes the weight of everything that was happening. "I didn't plan this, Sally. I never thought we would make it this far."
Sally hugged her husband, trying to give strength despite everything that was happening. "I know, Joaquin. And it's not your fault. We will fight together, and you are not alone."
---
While in the car, Joaquin was restless. He knows that just running is not enough. They have to come up with a plan, and they have to find out who is really behind it all. Who sends men to invade their home? And most of all, how can they stop the threat before their lives are completely ruined?
They drove for several hours, and finally, they came to a small house near a remote area outside the city. This is a place that Joaquin kept for such situations. He had long planned this as an emergency retreat, but he never thought it would be useful in this situation.
When they got inside, he made sure all the doors and windows were locked. He then talked to Sally while putting the children to bed in the bedroom.
"We have to make a plan. We can't hide here for long. I know they will find us," said Joaquin, holding Sally's hand. "We need to know who is really behind this."
Sally stared at him, love and determination in her eyes. "You're with me, Joaquin. Whatever happens, let's face it together."
---
The next day, while the house was quiet, Joaquin couldn't get out of his mind what Katharina said on the phone a few days ago. There are other forces moving behind it. And if his suspicions were correct, it would not be achieved simply by simply running away.
He quickly thought of the next step. He took out his phone and called an old acquaintance from his business connections. He knew this person was capable of providing the information he would need to determine who the people were trying to destroy him.
After several hours of waiting, the message from his contact finally arrived. There were names given-people from Joaquin's past who he never thought would be a part of his present again. The name of a large businessman and
the politician opened up to him. But among the names, there was one name that made her nervous-a name she hadn't expected.
"George Milwam."
Joaquin couldn't believe what he saw. George, who he thought had changed and apologized, seemed to be a key to all of this going on.
He looked at Sally, who was sitting at the other end of the room. "I know something now," Joaquin said, his voice full of determination. "George... it's not over with him yet."
Sally stopped at what she heard, obviously surprised. "George? But he said goodbye. I thought he had left us."
"I thought so too," replied Joaquin, his eyes full of anger and concern. "But behind his departure, there is a deeper plan. He is one of the people who is sending a threat to us. And he will not stop us until he completes his mission."