Chapter 23

# RITA'S MANSION

Rita was trying to get her things together in the spacious, opulent bedroom of her mansion. The room was filled with designer clothes, luxurious bags, and expensive jewelry, all carelessly strewn around as Rita hurriedly packed. The large windows allowed the sunlight to flood in, highlighting the extravagance of the room.

Sandra walked in, her face set in a determined frown. She had rushed over as soon as Rita had mentioned her plan over the phone.

"Rita, we need to talk," Sandra said, trying to keep her voice calm.

Rita looked up, barely pausing in her task. "What is it, Sandra? I'm a bit busy right now."

Sandra sighed, stepping closer. "This plan of yours... You can't lie to Teddy about him being the father of those children when you and I know that he's not."

Rita's movements slowed, and she finally looked at Sandra with narrowed eyes. "And why not? Teddy will believe me. We just ended our relationship before I was kidnapped and got pregnant. He won't suspect anything."

Sandra shook her head, frustration evident in her expression. "You're playing with fire, Rita. This isn't just about you anymore. There are children involved."

Rita scoffed. "Those children are my leverage. If Teddy believes they're his, he'll do the needful and divorce that thing he calls a wife."

Sandra's eyes blazed with anger. "This is insane! You can't manipulate Teddy and those kids like this. It’s not right."

Rita’s face hardened. "I’ve already made up my mind. We’ll go to the hospital I choose, and the DNA test will be faked. He'll never know the truth."

Sandra clenched her fists. "This isn't just about getting back at Teddy or his wife. You're ruining lives, Rita! Those children deserve better."

Rita's voice rose in anger. "They deserve to be with me! I’m their mother, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they’re in my life."

Sandra took a step back, shaking her head. "I can’t stand by and watch you do this. It’s wrong, and you know it."

Rita glared at her. "Then stay out of my way, Sandra. This is happening, whether you like it or not."

Sandra turned on her heel, storming out of the room. "You’re making a huge mistake, Rita. One that you'll regret."

# Spain

Lydia walked into her cozy, modest home after dropping the children off at their lesson center. The house was quiet, but something felt off. As she moved through the hallway, she noticed a man standing in the living room, his presence menacing.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in my house?" Lydia demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.

The man turned to face her, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "You must be Lydia. I've heard a lot about you."

Lydia’s heart pounded. "I asked you a question. What do you want?"

The man took a step closer, his eyes cold. "It's simple. I'm here to talk about the children."

Lydia’s blood ran cold. "What about them?"

He laughed softly. "You’ve done a good job keeping them hidden, but that’s all over now. Rita wants them back."

Lydia shook her head vehemently. "You can't take them away. I've raised them, loved them. They’re my children."

The man’s smile widened. "They’re not your children, Lydia. You’re just the nanny. Rita has plans, and you’re in the way."

Lydia felt a surge of fear and protectiveness. "I won’t let you take them. I’ll fight this."

The man’s expression darkened. "If you don’t comply, things could get very... unpleasant. For you and for the kids."

Lydia’s hands trembled. "You wouldn't dare hurt them."

He shrugged. "I don't have to. All I need is to make you understand that resisting is pointless. The children belong to Rita."

Tears filled Lydia’s eyes. "Please, don’t do this. They’re happy here. They don’t even know who their real mother is."

The man’s gaze was unyielding. "That’s not my problem. Rita wants them back, and she’ll get them. One way or another."

Lydia’s mind raced, trying to think of a way out. "What does she want with them now? After all this time?"

He leaned in closer, his voice a low growl. "That’s for Rita to know. Your job is to make sure the children are ready to leave when she comes for them."

Lydia’s heart ached at the thought of losing the boys she had come to love as her own. "I won’t let you take them."

The man straightened, a mocking smile on his face. "You don't have a choice, Lydia. Make it easier on yourself and them. Prepare them for the transition. It’s happening whether you like it or not."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Lydia standing there, shaken and desperate. She knew she had to act fast to protect Luis and Lucas, but she had no idea how to keep them safe from Rita’s clutches.

Later That Evening, Lydia paced back and forth, her mind reeling from the confrontation. She couldn’t let Rita take the children. She had to find a way to keep them safe. As she sat down to think, her phone rang. It was an unknown number, but she answered it anyway, hoping for some kind of solution.

"Hello?"

"Lydia, it’s Sandra. We need to talk."

Lydia’s heart skipped a beat. "Sandra? What’s going on?"

"Rita’s planning something big, and it involves the children. We need to stop her."

Lydia felt a glimmer of hope. "I know. A man came to my house today, threatening me. He said Rita wants to take the boys."

Sandra’s voice was urgent. "We need to meet. I have some information that might help us. Can you meet me tomorrow?"

"Yes, absolutely. Where?"

Sandra gave her the details, and Lydia hung up, feeling a surge of determination. She would do whatever it took to protect Luis and Lucas. They were her children, and she wasn’t about to let Rita ruin their lives.

That night, Lydia lay awake, thinking of the boys sleeping peacefully in their room. She had to stay strong for them, no matter what it took.