"Mariana?"
The girl takes her eyes off the computer screen and looks at her colleague, Ruth, who holds a clipboard in her hands.
"Mr. Jones wants to talk to you."
The girl snorts audibly.
"Really? What does he want?"
"I don't know. But he asked me to give you this message. After office hours, stop by his office a little bit."
"Sure. Thanks, Ruth."
The woman leaves to take care of her own business. Mariana tries to concentrate on the work in front of her, but can't.
What did her boss want? Ever since she arrived in town and got the job, modesty aside, she was the most competent employee in that office. She was always on time, and when necessary, she stayed late to help another employee.
Irritated, the woman frowned and grumbled:
"This better be a promotion opportunity."
When finally the digital clock on her desk showed her the time to leave, Mariana finished her activities, put on her coat, grabbed her purse, and instead of going straight home and taking a nice shower, she walked with quick steps to her boss's office.
The first and last time she was there was to, with tears in her eyes, beg for a job. Mariana had not always been a housewife: she had taken courses before her failed marriage, and did well with spreadsheets and forms.
After taking a test so they could see how well she could do, Mariana was hired. This saved her from further humiliation and emotional appeals at other companies, since she desperately needed a job.
Upon arriving at the mahogany door of the president's office, Mariana felt a slight discomfort. But since she had been nauseous for a while, it didn't make that much difference anymore.
She knocked three times on the door and waited patiently for her boss to open it.
"Hello, Mariana, thank you for coming," he said as he answered.
Mr. Jones' room still looked the same: the same smell of coffee with touches of cigarette, slightly dirty black curtains that made Mariana sneeze the first time she was there, the same desk filled with notepads and uncapped pens...
"Have a seat, please."
She does as he asks. Mariana's boss sits down in his own chair, interlaces his hands and says bluntly:
"Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?"
The woman looks a little in shock. Before she can answer, he continues:
"We know how dedicated you have been to the job, Mariana, and you have always been an exemplary employee. But as a boss, I need to be informed about significant events in the lives of my employees. Finding out about your pregnancy through a third party is not the ideal way for us to handle this situation."
Mariana feels a mixture of surprise and annoyance at her boss' direct approach. She gathers her thoughts and responds calmly:
"I'm sorry, Mr. Jones. I had no intention of concealing my pregnancy, but I didn't think it was relevant information for work either. Besides, I was still in the early stages of pregnancy and wanted to make sure everything was okay before sharing."
The boss nods, showing understanding, but still with a serious expression on his face.
"I understand your perspective, Mariana. However, as the leader of the team, it is important that I am aware of these situations to ensure a proper working environment and so that we can make appropriate adjustments if necessary."
The tall man with dark, curly hair and green eyes stands. He grabs a coffee from his personal machine. Word around the halls was that the boss was really addicted, and if he went twenty-four hours without coffee, he became irritable and had many other real withdrawal symptoms.
"I don't want to sound rude, Mariana, but it was already obvious to many. The baggy clothes, the nausea, the vomiting every three hours. And also-"
The girl is frowning. Mr. Jones notices her looking at the coffee cup in the man's hand.
"I'm sorry. Is that smell making you nauseous?"
Ungraciously, the girl nods her head in the affirmative.
"Well, that's baffling. I think it would be more prudent to consider some things, you know. About your job."
Mariana realizes that she may not have fully considered the consequences of her choice not to inform him in advance about her pregnancy. Would he fire her?The woman needs to take some air before she forces naturalness and calmness, at least as far as possible.
"I understand, Mr. Jones, and I apologize again for the lack of communication. I would like to assure you that I will continue to dedicate myself to the job to the best of my ability, and I am willing to discuss any necessary adjustments during my pregnancy to ensure the team's productivity."
Mariana takes a deep breath and tries not to think about vomiting. She is used to the smell of coffee, but somehow, at that moment, it seems unbearable. She looks at her boss and forces a smile.
"Are you okay?" he asks, turning around and walking over to her, resting his hand on her shoulder in a friendly manner.
"Everything's fine, Mr. Jones. Just a little queasy, but I'll be fine."
The boss looks relieved at the answer and continues:
"I understand that it may be a delicate time, but I want you to know that we are here to support you. If you need anything, don't hesitate to talk to me or HR."
"Of course, Mr. Jones. Thank you for speaking with me."
"Let's discuss some details about your workload, time off scheme, maternity leave... And by the way, please, I know that you like to stay after hours to help others. I don't think I need to tell you why that is no longer an option.
"No, sir."
She takes a deep breath. The craving to vomit is getting worse and worse.
Mariana needs to get out of there before...
"Tomorrow we can discuss this more calmly. I hope your pregnancy will be smooth and-"
The girl's boss stops talking immediately.
Because, in an uncontrollable burst, Mariana vomited...
Right on the man's expensive suit.
Mariana drums her fingers on the office table and stares at the blank screen, a sign of her fatigue and stress.Now that was an irony, since the office was in her home, and working indoors was supposed to be the appropriate solution to keep her calm.It had been a week since the terrible incident in Mr. Jones' office, and every time she remembered the look of sadness, shock, disgust, and death wish on her boss' face, she felt red with shame.That week's prenatal appointment was still coming up. Mariana didn't want to know the sex of the baby. Just knowing that he would be healthy, and that he would have a more dignified life than she herself had...The girl sighs. She gets up and goes to the garden to look at the flowers.Her mother had been much more generous than she had ever thought. When she told her what her scoundrel of an ex-husband had done, and the situation Mariana was in, she had made a point of letting her keep the property she used to rent. Now, besides having a job and
The first thing that goes through Mariana's mind is to just get up and walk away, without saying a single word.The second thing is to smile, wave and tell that old woman to go to hell, and then get up and walk away.But nervousness, confusion and hesitation cause the girl to simply stare for a few seconds before saying:"Hello," Mariana replies, trying to keep her composure, although her thoughts are racing. She observes the serene expression on Isabella's face. How had that woman found her? Although she is trying to remain calm, Mariana really wants to hold her by the collar of her blouse and shake her as she fills her with questions.Isabella smiles gently and says: "I hope you don't mind that I have kept my anonymity. I was concerned for my safety as well as yours in choosing this method. I have been following the difficult situation you are going through and felt it was time to intervene."Mariana frowns, still processing the revelation. She had a hard time believing that Isabe
Maxwell Philips looks at Mariana with a sarcastic smile on his lips. His cold, penetrating eyes seem to analyze her from top to bottom, as if he were studying an object of experiment."Surprised to see me here, sister-in-law?" he says, his voice laden with contempt.Mariana tries to disguise her disturbance at seeing Maxwell there. She knew that he hated Maximilian, but she couldn't fully understand his motives. Now, faced with this unexpected situation, her mind is filled with doubts and fears."What do you want, Maxwell?" she asks, struggling to maintain her composure.Maxwell takes a step closer, his eyes locked on hers. "I've come to offer a deal," he replies with a sinister tone. "You must have already spoken to my mother."Behind her, Isabella steps closer and places one hand on her waist."Well, son, you know I always try diplomacy before everything.""And we both know that Mariana has always preferred things the hard way, no?" he laughs, complicit.Feeling cornered, the girl s
Mariana cringes in the corner of the alley, trying to control her rapid breathing and stifle her sobbing sobs.She clings to the hope that the voices and footsteps she hears are not Maxwell's or Isabella's, but fear consumes her, and she cannot help but fear the worst.The noises become louder, indicating that people are approaching quickly. Mariana presses one hand against her mouth to hold back any sound that might betray her. Her heart beats strongly in her chest, and the tension increases with each second.Suddenly, a figure passes through the alley, and Mariana holds her breath. She cringes even more, trying to blend into the shadows, hoping she won't be seen. The footsteps stop very close to her hiding place, and the girl closes her eyes, expecting the worst."Did you see anyone running around here?" a male voice asks."No, I didn't see anyone," replies another, female voice. "It was probably just our imagination. This alley is kind of dark and it gives you the creeps."Mariana
"I don't like it, Mariana." Walking beside her was James, the man who met her the day the girl discovered the betrayal; the man who had saved her life. He repeats with more emphasis:"I don't like it at all!""I know, James, I don't either. But believe me, it's the only way.""Mariana-""It's going to be all right.""How is it going to be okay? Because out of the blue your ex-mother-in-law and your ex-brother-in-law want to get close to you? You told me yourself that-""Yes, James, but you have to trust me. I know what I'm doing, nothing bad is going to happen to me.""If nothing bad is going to happen to you, then why did you feel obligated to bring me in as a witness?"Mariana stops walking. The two are minutes away from arriving at the park, the location of the arranged meeting between Mariana, Isabella and Maxwell."You trust me?"I-""Do you or don't you?"Overcome by fatigue, James sighs deeply before answering:"Yes.""Thank you."Mariana gives her friend a tight hug. The two
Alone inside the huge and increasingly lonely house, the businessman Maximilian Philips, lying on the floor with a bottle of whiskey beside him, looks up at the ceiling.The chandelier is radiant, imposing, and in itself already demonstrates a luxury that the man had once made a point of boasting.But now, what was it but a handful of cut glass with light bulbs inside?Max takes another sip of whiskey.The new maid, Lanis, knocks twice on the door before entering;"Mr. Philips, you have a visitor."Send them away," he retorts. His voice is pasty from excessive alcohol consumption."But, Mister Phillips, it's a-""I've already sent away!""Yes, sir."Of course, after the divorce, women in love with him, who had always desired him and sighed when he passed through the halls, would go after him like bees go for honey.But Maximilian wanted none of them.The drone had lost its queen bee. And worse: because of his own malfeasance.Staggering, Max stood up and took six long sips from the bo
Two weeks had passed since the terrible encounter in the park.Two weeks have passed after Isabella contacted us once again, and said that everything was ready for the birth of Elena and Hector.In other words, everything was ready for Mariana and James to leave the scene.The girl cried and begged her friend to back off, not to do this to her. He had a brilliant career, friends who liked him. But from the beginning he always made it clear that for Mariana he would go to the end of the world.After all, he left his hometown to be closer to his friend, less than a month after he left her at the bus station.The fake news had already been forged. Everyone was talking about the horrible crime committed a few days before, where an unknown group of criminals kidnapped, tortured and destroyed the victims so horribly that the bodies were barely recognizable.And almost at the same time, Elena, a secretary for a ghost company, was buying a beautiful apartment in the far corner of the urban en
To Isabella Philips' eternal luck, the dark and sophisticated clothes, the black gloves, and the wreathed hat that covered a good part of her eyes, hid the true expression that sometimes stubbornly appeared on her face: a smile of triumph.Around him were many people. Most were Mariana's former acquaintances and relatives. Her mother, a woman Isabella had always thought was weak and rather lame, had passed out and never returned. "Careful, Mama," a man whispered in her ear. She immediately recognized Maxwell's voice. "Remember that we are saddened and terribly shocked by the sudden loss of our poor Mariana.""You never fail to notice anything, do you?""I believe that is one of my greatest gifts."Maximilian's brother also has trouble keeping a sad expression, but of course he would never admit that. The coffin is closed in the center of the huge chamber, and partially closed blue curtains are around it, where the funeral was taking place. From there, they would go directly to the lo
Mariana is thirty-two weeks pregnant. Lost in thought, she caresses her belly and sighs, closing her eyes afterward.Knocking at the door. She turns when a man enters, smiling, and kisses her on the forehead."How are you, dear?" he asks."Good. Just a little anxious.""About the arrival of our child?""Yes," Mariana murmurs, looking back at the window. "Yes, that's what I'm thinking about."James crosses his arms."Did you know you're a terrible liar?"The woman rolls her eyes but doesn't disagree. Instead, she takes short, heavy steps and sits on the bed in the spacious room."Love," James murmurs, sitting next to her.As if she simply couldn't bear the idea of seeing him or looking at him directly, Mariana just keeps staring at nothing. Then, she starts caressing her belly once again."Love," the man insists."What do you want me to say?""The truth."She remains silent. James continues:"It's about him, isn't it?"Although she doesn't mention any specific name, Mariana knows who h
Mariana's words hit Maxmilian like a punch in the gut. He feels a knot forming in his throat and his eyes fill with tears again. The hopes that had begun to flourish are drowned out by the painful reality.He looks at her, searching for words that can express his pain and regret."Mariana... I know I was a terrible husband. I know I did terrible things. I don't take away your reason, you must be dying of anger at me, and in your place, I-""In my place? You have no idea what it's like to be in my place! You didn't before and you don't now!""Mariana-""I was kidnapped! I was taken hostage. And even worse, by YOUR family! I had to fake my own death, and I even dragged an innocent person along in the process. James, who barely knew me, had far more consideration and empathy for my life than you, Maxmilian. There is NOTHING you can say or do. Absolutely nothing. That's the truth."Mariana's words are like arrows straight through Maxmilian's heart. He feels the weight of his guilt and reg
Mariana simply cannot absorb the vast amount of information that takes over her mind.The words, images and attitudes of the last few hours are etched in her mind, and try as she might, she relives every frame and every second of what could be an action movie, drama and definitely a tragedy.In mere months, her life had turned into a total and complete mess. And now...And now she was there, in that hospital, after once again almost losing her son: her most precious possession.The heart monitor at that moment, however, signaled that everything was fine... At least for now.The door to the room opened.And... there he was.His situation was deplorable: blood and dirt still covered his skin in some spots: one of his eyes was seriously damaged... But the shine of his eyes, of those eyes, still remained.Mariana remained motionless, trying in vain to appear indifferent towards Maxmilian, but failing. Her son stirred in his belly, as if guessing that his father was there.Slowly, the man
Maxmilian arrives at the hospital dirty, not only with blood, but with dirt.His gait is heavy and difficult. One of his eyes is partially closed and swollen from the enormous amount of punches he has taken.The only thing that made him happy, and even then partly, was that Maxwell would never again be a problem for anyone.Michele was gone. Since she was the owner of that property that was made to be inhospitable and difficult to access, her former lover probably knew well about the escape routes and the most complicated way to be located.He himself had a hard time getting out of that maze, walking in directions he knew were wrong, but with no choice. Then, after finally gasping and stumbling, Maxmilian managed to find a dirt road that, minutes later, became asphalt.It was a man who gave him a ride as soon as he saw the state Max was in. When the stranger dropped him off at the hospital door, the businessman pulled out a small wad of one thousand dollars from his pocket and discree
Mariana had felt fear many times before.She remembered how frightening it was when, when she went to sleep, all the lights in the house were turned off. The darkness made her head ache with panic, and nightmares often stunned her mercilessly.The girl also felt an unusual fear of butterflies, although she had never told anyone about it. When they took off, flapping their colorful wings in the sky, everyone around thought it was beautiful. She just wanted to run away.But Mariana had never felt so afraid as she did at that moment, when she saw the amount of blood running down her legs and knew that yes, she was losing her baby.Maxmilian immediately releases Michele, who runs out the back door of the house as if her life depended on it.Isabella screams and makes mention of going after her, but hesitates when she sees Maxwell's wound.Mariana is so shocked and immersed in loss, grief and pain that she can't move. Maxmilian holds both sides of her body and embraces her."Mariana! Maria
At first, Mariana really believes that everything is over.She sees the pale, tear-stained, hate-filled face of the former secretary, the way she snarls and cries. The gun doesn't stand still aiming at a specific point, because the hand that holds it is also terribly shaky.Then, in a space of time that could be hours, days, minutes or seconds, Michele pulls the trigger.But Mariana feels nothing. Not even a burning sensation or the beginnings of pain.Because she has not been shot.In a burst of screaming courage, coupled with a very high speed and coordination, Maxmilian pushed the redhead's wobbling body, causing her to miss, and badly, the target.A loud male scream echoes throughout the room as Maxwell, holding his left shoulder tightly, falls on his own knee. Blood drips down his shirt, spreading rapidly."You bastard!" shouts Mariana's ex-brother-in-law.Mariana watches in shock as chaos unfolds before her eyes. Hearing the gun fire and seeing Maxwell wounded awakens a mixture
Mariana watched in a mixture of astonishment, curiosity, and even denial as the car actually started to come closer to the house.This place had been tailor-made to be her captivity. It was obvious that these were not mere passersby."I guess it all ends here," Maxwell mutters, between his teeth.Mariana puts her hand on her belly. The baby begins to fuss wildly.When the door finally opens, the woman doesn't know where to look first.At the secretary who wasn't really just a secretary, Michele, wide-eyed from what could be panic.To the gray-haired but imposing woman holding Michele by the shoulders as if she were a prisoner.Or to the man... the man who simply could not take another step when he saw Mariana.Not only alive, but pregnant. Pregnant with their child.Tears stream down the girl's face. Maxmilian is still standing there, staring at her, dumbfounded and absolutely in shock.Isabella looks at Maxwell:"Everything is over now," she says, in a stern tone. "Our role in this g
Emanuele takes a step back."What did you say?"Maxwell doesn't answer, just stares at her."What did you say?!" she repeats, exasperated. Her voice comes out much shakier and wobbler this time.Her ex-brother-in-law just shrugs."That's it, Emanuele. I'm sorry."Was he? Everything seemed to indicate that she didn't.She sits back in her chair, slowly."The secretary... No, it's not possible.""You don't believe me?""How would a secretary do all those things? That's impossible."A sad little smile appears on Maxwell's younger brother's face."Impossible, you say?"Scratching one of his eyes, he tries to keep his tone of voice as cool as possible, but fails:"It would be impossible if we followed the normal course of things. If we followed... you know, the established pattern. But you know, my dear Mariana... Everything you know so far, and even everything I know... They are nothing but a beautiful web of lies, perfectly contrived to leave anyone who is the most curious in the dark."
Maxwell looks once at the cell phone screen, frowns, rubs his eyes, and stares again at the incoming text message. No, he was not blind; the text remained the same after he doubted what his eyes showed.So, by elimination, Maxwell was going crazy. Or...Everyone around him had loosened the screws and he was the only one mentally sane.His mother had made it very clear that she was going to go after Michele to redo the deal, make more money at the expense of the front secretary, and thus ensure that she would become richer than she already was. What Max didn't expect was that she would not only threaten him with a gun, but also rat him out to Maxmilian.And at that moment, that was where they were headed, to the perfect captivity hidden in an equally perfect place. Mariana would be freed and would probably return to the arms of Maxwell's older brother.As if she could smell her own rescue coming, Mariana, leaning back in a rocking chair in the living room, looked up at the glassed and