Disclaimer: I do not own anyone, all events are fictional and for entertainment only.

a/n: Those that keep up with my stories know I have had a lot going on, but that being said, I have had extreme writers block with this story, hopefully I am back on track with it and I hope everyone continues to enjoy and will continue to support it…You guys give me inspiration and I truly appreciate it.

Pilar's Home...

It has been five days since Pilar was released from the hospital. She and Hunter argued once more about how the actual drugs got into her system. This has caused a rift between them, and now they are back where they started. This brings us to the evening of Hunter's Gala, Pilar has decided, well actually forced to attend the event. Sable made the decision to place Pilar on a brief leave of absence, due to the incident of the drug overdose, part of the terms of her leave is to attend the Gala. Sable did this for pure spite, she wanted to make Pilar suffer through watching her and Hunter together.

Pilar, Nicole, and Maria stood in Pilar's master bedroom preparing for tonight. Nicole began to pace and lit up a cigarette. "Ay Dios Mio!" Maria yelled

"Mama please, I have to do something to stay calm…This is utterly ridiculous that Pilar is going to this farce of a celebration!" Nicole raised her voice more than intended at her Mother.

"Now you listen to me Nicole Maria Guzman, I will not have that tone of voice directed at me…You hear me…!"

Pilar threw up her hands. "Mama, please calm down…Nicole is right in her thinking, I wouldn't be going if it weren't for that little whore threatening my job."

"ENOUGH…BOTH OF YOU…!" Maria took a deep breath as she stared at her two daughters. "I did not raise either of you to be disrespectful…Nicole, sit down…Pilar, sit down…Apúrate (Hurry Up)." Maria was thoroughly aggravated with her two daughters, and she was going to give them a piece of her mind.

Both Nicole and Pilar sat down on the bed, and felt like they were back at home, when they were little girls, being scolded.

Maria stood in front of them, and held her hand on her hip. "You two are going to listen, and you will not interrupt me…Understand…!" Maria eyed both women, and once she was content that the girls understood, she began to speak. "First you Nicole Maria…I don't know when my beautiful little girl became so spiteful and mean spirited, but I know it has become unbearable…I take that back, I do know…When you began dating that John Cena fella…You let him change you…Look at you, all because you like the pretty shiny things he gives you…!"

Nicole furrowed her brow. "Mama, I love him…!"

Maria narrowed her eyes. "Silencio…Nicole! I know you love this man, but you have given up everything you value for this man…Marriage and children…That is why you are so bitter, and you try to tear your sister's marriage apart…!"

"I am the only one who is thinking clearly when it comes to my sister…Hunter cheated on her and he doesn't deserve her…!"

Pilar held Nicole's hand to make her be quiet. "Nicole is right Mama, if Hunter hadn't slept with that whore…umm…women, we would still be happy."

"So you two think you have it all figured out? Nicole sells her soul to a man who will never truly honor her for the beautiful women she is, and you Pilar, my youngest, think that you will be able to shut down what your heart really wants, and that is Hunter…Both of you are naive and foolish!"

Nicole was now irate. "We are naive and foolish? Your way of thinking went out in the sixties, you have no idea how the real world works!"

Pilar could see what was coming, and she jump up and held her mother. "Everyone needs to tone it back a notch…Please Mama…"

Maria pulled back. "You two think you know things…You know shit…! I have endured more so far during my lifetime, than you two can possibly comprehend…!"

Both Nicole and Pilar stood shocked as they now knew their mother wasn't playing around. Maria stared at her daughters and she continued. "I know hurt, I know pain, but I also know forgiveness and my self-worth…My life with your father has not always been easy, but I never gave up on him or my family…And I know, without me beside your father, he would not be the man he is today…Why…Because I demanded what I wanted, but I never turned my back on him…!"

Pilar placed her hand on her mother's shoulder. "Mama, with all due respect…You never had to endure the pain of your husband cheating on you." Pilar turned to sit back down next to Nicole. The two sisters held hands, and placed their attention back to their mother.

"Really, Bonita…?" Maria continued to sternly look at them.

Nicole sighed heavily. "Mama, we love you, but seriously, you have no idea."

"You two are not little girls anymore, so I am going to just come out and tell you both, since you both think I am so out of touch…Your father did cheat on me, it was a long time ago, before you two were born…I forgave him, and never looked back…!"

Both Pilar and Nicole sat utterly shocked, Maria could see this, but she knew it was time to tell the story. "Your father and I had started to grow apart, we had so many responsibilities, young couple, young baby boy, and starting up a new restaurant….Well, your father strayed with some young woman from our neighbor…"

Pilar finally able to speak. "I don't understand, why haven't we heard this before?"

"Because, I never wanted my children to hate their father, and I was the one to forgive him. I love your father with all my heart, he was my first love, he was my first everything…I was not going to let some random women take what was truly mine."

Nicole cut in. "Why…Why forgive someone who betrayed you…?"

Maria's tone became softer as she lightly stroked Nicole's face. "If I hadn't, you and your sister would not be here right now…And, I love mi armor…Men are weak, and sometimes do not make the right choices, but once they realize those mistakes and give it to God, they can repent and become a better man…That is what your father did and I have no regrets…That brings me to you Pilar, you must really look into your heart and be able to forgive and let go of Hunter's indiscretion, if you don't, you will never be happy…Why? Because he is your first love, your first everything…You have given him the greatest gift a woman can give a man, children."

Pilar and Nicole stared at one another. Pilar broke the silence. "I do love Hunter, but he is still keeping something from me, and…"

Maria but in. "Force him to tell you, and really listen to him…Bonita, he loves you and made a horrible mistake, but should that erase everything you two have shared? I remember when you brought him home to meet us, I knew the very moment I saw you interact with each other that he was the one for you…Please just hear him and out, and then release all of the hurt and hate within your heart."

"I don't know…" Pilar said softly.

Nicole wiped the tears that now started to build up in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Mama…I shouldn't have yelled at you…And you're right, I do want marriage and children, but I love John, he is my soulmate."

Maria took both daughters within her arms, and then kissed each of them. "My beautiful babies, please just listen to my words and try to really feel what is in your hearts, I promise you both will be happy if you do this."

Both daughters hugged their mother tightly, and both had much soul searching to do. Unfortunately, it would not be now as Liam came into the room. "Mommy, Uncle Randy is here."

Pilar wiped her tears, and kneeled down to her son. "Thank you baby." She could see Liam wanted to say more. "What's wrong, baby?"

Liam looked at his mother, and pulled his lucky rabbit's foot from his pocket. "Can you give this to daddy, for luck tonight?"

Pilar smiled at her child, but her heart was breaking, she could see her son wanted to actually give this to his father in person. "Of course, but don't be sad, you will see your daddy this weekend. Okay?"

Liam had a slight pout. "Will you come this time?"

Maria had to fight back her tears, she hated to see her grandson so sad. Pilar hugged Liam tightly. "Maybe baby, maybe…Hey, you be the man of house, and tell Uncle Randy I will be right down."

The small boy walked out of the room, and all Pilar saw when she turned around was her Mother's upset face. "Mama…"

Maria was furious, Randy had been warned by her husband, but he still doesn't listen. "The first thing you do is tell Randy to never call you again, he is another problem between you and Hunter. What real friend goes after his friend's wife? He is evil and shameless."

"Your right Mama, I will talk with him after the Gala…" Pilar has already began thinking about what her mother said, and she is beginning to think that maybe she hasn't done everything she can to help Hunter open up to her. She loves Hunter, and her children miss him.

"Good, and the other thing, Bonita."

"You got through to me Mama, I will try." Pilar said as she began to put on her evening dress.

Nicole looked on, and felt extreme guilt, she had to make things right for her sister. She had to bow out of this plan with Randy, and she had to start getting her own life together, because if she can't let go of the pain from John not marrying her, she will lose the one person she loves dearly, her baby sister.

Pilar walked downstairs to meet Randy, he was speechless as he watched her walk closer to him. Pilar was dressed in a coral evening gown from Primavera Couture 1131. This dress had a halter-style neckline with glittering sequins throughout. The sides were exposed, which gave the dress a dramatic feel. The skirt had a soft A-line shape and a slit at one side. Pilar smiled as she noticed Randy had a white rose in his left hand. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Randy slightly shook his head to break his trance. "You look gorgeous." He then handed her the rose.

"Thank you." Pilar smiled at the rose. "You didn't have to do this, remember we are going as friends."

Lily started tugging at her mother's dress, and reached her arms up. Pilar chuckled a bit. The little girl looked at Pilar, as she put her small hands around her mother's neck. "Where is daddy…?" The little one pouted slightly, but then stared meanly at Randy.

Pilar kissed her baby girl on the cheek. "You will see him tomorrow….Remember…?"

"NO…NOW...!" The little girl spat.

Maria could see where this was going, she took her granddaughter from Pilar. "Little Bonita, I thought we were making cookies while Mommy is away…I think your daddy would like that…"

The little girl started to warm up to her grandmother. "Cookies…?"

"Yes baby that would be so nice for your daddy…"

"I want sprinkles too…" Lily said through a small giggle. Maria tickled her sides. "Yes, little one, with lots of sprinkles."

Pilar kissed both children. "You two be good for your grandmother and Aunt Nicole….Okay…?"

Both children reluctantly said yes. Nicole stepped forward and hugged her sister, and whispered in her ear. "I'm sorry, follow your heart little sister."

Pilar tightened the hug. "I love you sis…"

Randy looked on and didn't like what he was seeing, he felt the coldness from Nicole, and didn't know what she was up to. He thought to himself: "maybe she is changing her mind in helping me, little backstabbing bitch."

Pilar pulled back from her sister, and started to leave, Randy attempted to follow, but Maria leaned into him. "You will not have my daughter, I have made sure of that." She step back and smiled at him.

The Gala…

Hunter was beginning to have a headache, he has been politicking all night to get donations for the hospital. Don't get me wrong, Hunter had the gift to persuade a dying man of thirst there would be water to be found in the desert. What really bothered him was his wife not being at his side, instead he had a selfish conniving bitch clawing at his arm. His face showed a glint of a smile as he spotted Pilar walking into ballroom, but that quickly turned into an angry stare as he saw Randy escorting her. He quickly took the opportunity to move away from his guests and made a beeline to Pilar. Both he and Pilar stared at one another for what felt like hours to Randy. "Hey beautiful…" Hunter said in a husky voice, and Pilar felt her knees go weak. The man would only have to utter a word or two, and Pilar would melt. He has done that since the day they met.

Pilar blushed slightly, and smiled. "Hey yourself…" She fumbled in her cocktail purse, and pulled out the rabbit's foot Liam gave her. "Liam wanted you to have this."

Hunter grinned as he accepted the fury object. "I gave this to him for his first soccer game…So he would feel like I was out there with him."

Pilar smiled more. "I remember…And they won the game too…"

Randy cleared his throat. "We should get our seats…"

Hunter reached for Pilar's hand. "Can I talk to you for a minute…?"

Pilar couldn't stop starring at Hunter, he looked so handsome in his tuxedo, and those damn honey brown eyes. "Yeah, sure…"

Randy tried to protest, but Hunter didn't pay him any attention, instead he guided Pilar to the balcony, away from everyone. Pilar leaned against the railing, and Hunter came behind her, and wrapped his strong arms around her waist. "You look fucking stunning…"

Pilar exhaled and leaned into Hunter, her senses peaked as she inhaled Hunter's scent, it was a mixture of sandalwood and musk, she had missed this, and no smell could compare to it. "Thank you, and you clean up nice too…"

Hunter pushed her hair to the side, and placed his warm lips to her neck. "Mmm…I think you need a doctor, your pulse is racing…"

"Oh Hunter…" Pilar moaned.

"I have a room here tonight…I could give you a full exam…" Hunter's lips mumbled against her neck.

Pilar felt as though she could have sex with him right now, but she knew they needed to talk first. She did the hardest thing, she turned around in his arms, and placed her arms around his neck. "You are not playing fair Dr. Helmsley…"

Hunter smirked. "All is fair in love…"

Pilar playfully rolled her eyes. "Seriously…We need to talk, really talk to each other…"

Hunter sighed softly. He knew she was right, but he didn't want to spoil what was clearly meant to happen. "We can talk in my room…After your exam…"

Pilar arched her eyebrow. "I would love to, but I came here with Randy…"

The anger coursed through Hunter like a speeding bullet, but he managed to think clearly and not give Randy a chance to screw up this moment. Hunter made sure to have his lips right to her ear, his words were laced with lust and authority. "You don't really want Randy to bring you home, you want me to take you upstairs to my room and worship every inch of your body, and then when that is over, I will take what has always been mine…"

Pilar clutched his shoulders, and her breathing became shallow. "I will let you take me, after we talk…Not before…I promise…"

Hunter rubbed his hands along Pilar's exposed back, he knew once they were alone in his hotel room things would work themselves out and he could finally tell her the truth about Sable. "Agreed…But first things first…" He stared into Pilar's eyes longingly and then pressed his lips against hers. The kiss became very smoldering, but they were interrupted by the event planner. "Excuse me Dr. Helmsley, they are ready for your speech..."

Pilar pressed her forehead against Hunter's chest. "Duty calls…"

Hunter pointed at Pilar. "My duty will not begin until we are alone in my room…"

The persistent event planner cleared his throat. "Dr. Helmsley, please…We are on a schedule…"

Hunter didn't even turn to look at the smaller man. "I will be there in a fucking minute…"

"Go Hunter, I promise right after your speech we can be alone." Pilar kissed Hunter one final time. She watched him enter the room, and everyone stood and clapped for the love of her life. She had to admit to herself that she was proud of Hunter, even though this promotion almost cost them everything.

Hunter stood at the podium and delivered a powerful speech on what the hospital could expect under his leadership. He concluded by saying, "I would like to end by saying thank you to the person who has been beside me since the beginning of my journey of becoming Chief of Staff of the Hospital, my confidant, my sounding board, my best friend...my wife, Dr. Pilar Helmsley…Without her beside me, I would not be here before you…I love you Pilar…"

Sable stared daggers into Hunter because that last part was not part of the speech. As soon as Hunter stepped down he was faced with Sable. "We need to talk…Right now…" Sable said through a gritted smile.

Hunter smirked at her obvious upset and jealousy, he didn't care, because tonight things were going to be corrected and he was getting his wife back. He gladly followed Sable to the outer entrance of the ballroom. "What is the matter…?"

Sable narrowed her eyes. "What the fuck was that…?"

Hunter stood cockily before her. "The truth…What I have been telling you over and over…"

"Have you forgotten about our child?"

Hunter didn't waiver. "As I said before, if this child is mine, I will take care of it…But stop with the threats, because I'm telling Pilar tonight…"

Sable could have been blown over by a feather, she underestimated Hunter. "What…?"

"You're not deaf, I said I'm telling her, something I should have done before…Now you have no power…!"

Sable was just about to lose it, but they were interrupted by the annoying event planner. "Dr. Helmsley, you are needed by table three, the table with the mayor…"

Hunter was not as bothered this time, because he made his point. Sable grabbed at Hunter's arm. "I'm not finished with you…"

Hunter took her hands off him as he grinned. "You heard the man I am needed…"

Sable watched Hunter go back into the ballroom. She began to pace, and desperately needed a cigarette. She looked a few feet away and saw Pilar going to the restroom. "Well all is not lost, if you think you have won Hunter, you are in for a big surprise." She mumbled to herself as she followed Pilar into the ladies room.

TBC…Thank you for reading…Please leave your thoughts and suggestions within a review, it encourages me to continue updating…xoxo