A marriage that had everything to work out, this is that of Dalia Penedo who did everything to win the heart of Carlos Salazar and have his "Happily Ever". But as time goes on, things change... and so do feelings. Although Dahlia loves her husband, her curiosity makes her embark on the dangerous virtual world, where she meets Mr.X, a man who will snatch the young woman’s heart. Dahlia is now divided: She loves her husband, but is madly in love with X. This is a real story , where the choices she makes, can change her future for the better... or for the worse.
View MoreBarcelona, 31 December 2005.
Of all the beginnings I thought, this is my favorite: my first new year in Barcelona after two years in England. Two years of cold people, cold climate and much study. Until I convinced my parents that it was in Barcelona that I should finish my high school, my home. So that year-end was the embodiment of my happiness. The only thing I needed was Edward, my English boyfriend.
To all who have not yet spent the new year in Barcelona, take some time and come, do not know what they are missing. The streets are all decorated, besides the human warmth that I did not find anywhere. But returning to that wonderful night...
I remember being in my room playing entertained that I do not even notice my younger sister, Valeria, entering the room. I get a fright when she touches my arm ,drawing my attention. She says something, but I’m on the phone and I don’t understand what she’s talking about, so I take off my headphones and stare at her. I bet she wanted to use the computer to play, too.
—Will you go? - Asks Valeria with those almond eyes wider than usual. — They said I can only go if you go with me. I’ve been waiting for months for this party, and everyone will be there.
— What party? What are you talking about ? - I ask without understanding what she’s talking about.
— Júlio’s party! - Valéria says, snapping her fingers in my face. She kneels , dramatizing as always and asks. — Please, go with me! It’s going to be so much fun!
— I do not know... – I answer with all sincerity. The feast of Julius is the kind that you only come home with the day dawning.
—Please, please, please !!! - Beg my sister, almost kneeling at my feet.—I even lend my white dress with sequins...—You love that dress. - I say staring at my sister’s squinting eyes. For Valerie to use her dress as a bargaining chip is because she really wants me to go. I take a deep breath and answer. — All right, I’ll go with you. But we’ll be back when I say it, okay?
—Sure! - Replies Valeria, hugging me. She runs to our closet, takes her white dress and puts it on my bed. Take another red one and go to the bathroom, bouncy, change.
It seems a silly decision, to go or not to a party. However, today, I see that decision triggered everything that will happen from now on. One thing I’m sure: if I went back in time, I would make that same choice.
After a few minutes, we are ready to go to Julio’s party. My parents are also dressed , they will spend the turn at the house of some friends and would be ready for when I call them. We get in the car and sit at the window. I love watching the night of Barcelona. It does not take long and my father already parks in front of the huge house of the Castillo's, Julio’s home.
—Happy holidays! - Says my father, kissing my sister and then me.
—Until next year. - Plays my mother, giving a kiss on my cheek.
— Bye dad, Bye mom. - I say goodbye, getting out of the car.
As soon as we get out of the car and my sister grabs my arm to get us into the party. My sister’s joy is almost suspect, being justified when I enter the house: It was as if all the prettiest young people in the city had booked to be at that party. We smiled at each other and walked towards the owner of the party, Julio Castillo, heir to the Castillo's hotel chain. And also one of my best friends.
— Dália Penedo. - Says Julio, coming out of the circle of friends that is approaching. He hugs me ,affectionate, then turns to my sister Valeria, curious. — And who is this, beauty?
—My sister, Valeria. - May I present my sister, who does not hide her interest in Julio.
—Ah , yes, Valerie. - Says Julius showing a slight lack of interest in recognizing my sister. He smiles at me and continues: — I’m glad he’s back with mere mortals, my dear. Come and meet my new friends...
— I need to update my contacts. - I say, smiling at him.
I look at my sister, who is wide-eyed towards the circle of boys where Julius is going. Then my heart races... There in the middle of them, a boy with the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen catches my attention. Her brown eyes stare at mine, briefly invading my mind, as if we were meant to be together. I walk towards him, bewitched by his face , which for many, was simple, but for me was what I always dreamed of. He’s my soul mate.
—I’m going to marry him. - I say, smiling at my sister, who stares at me, confused.
—With whom? - My sister asks, looking at the wheel.
—With that. - I point to him in disguise.
— All right, then I’ll marry the one next door. - My sister says jokingly. She holds my arm and pulls me: — Let’s go meet our future husbands.
As soon as we get to the wheel, all the boys look at us. Including him, who stares at me intently, making us shiver.
— Boys, these are the Penedo sisters: Dalia. - Presents Julio, pointing to me and then to my sister:—And Valeria Penedo.
— Hello. - Says my sister with the biggest smile in the world.
— These are: Eduardo. - Says Julio, pointing to a blond boy. — Pierre. - My sister’s suitor. — Elson. - To another boy. — And Carlos. - Point last to my suitor.
Carlos, that’s his name. The conversation starts in the circle , but I don’t take part in it, I prefer to face my suitor who corresponds to me. His eyes are expressive , more than any word I could say. I feel my face on fire, then smile, averting my gaze. But not for long, and I look at him again.I could live just to look at him. Suddenly I hear screams , time passed so fast that people were already on the countdown to the new year.
—Happy New Year!!! - everyone shouts. My sister hugs me, and then hugs everyone.
Julio gives me a light kiss on the cheek, as do most of those present. But I do not leave the place, as does Carlos, who gradually approaches. He passes his arms around my waist, his touch gives me a chill in my belly. I feel the warmth of his hands on my back. Your face approaches mine, your cheeks stick to mine. I feel every part of your body glued to mine. His lips almost touch my ear and his breath denounces that his words are to come:
—Happy new year. - whispers Carlos. He squeezes me slowly. My body fits perfectly in his.
Then my future husband walks away with his beautiful smile and walks towards the other people of the party. I still embrace a few more than I try to follow Carlos with my eyes. I notice he talks, excited, with someone on his phone.
— Dalia, why are you still standing here? - asks Julio , oblivious to my situation. — Are you okay?
—I’m fine. And I’ll be great if you tell me more about Carlos.
—Which Carlos? - asks Julio, staring at me as if he did not know Carlos.
—The boy who introduced me.- I remember, taking a sip of champagne that was served to me.
— Ah... He is a friend of Elson's. – says Julio, following my gaze that is still on Carlos, who smiles about something that a boy tells him: — But you can take his rain horse, Dalia.
— Why? - I ask , scared, facing my friend.
— First of all, he’s a poor bastard. He just joined a local fish company... a proletariat. Not to mention that the heart is already owned. He’s engaged to be married.
— I don’t care about his social class and... Groom is not married. – I respond promptly.
—And your English boy? - asks Julio, remembering Edward, as if that would change something: — The beautiful, rich and powerful English.
—You know... more of the same.- I reply, enigmatic.
— You will not give up on him, are you? - Julio asks, referring to Carlos.
—You know me so well, Julio. - I reply by kissing my friend on the cheek. Then I whisper in his ear: — I need his phone, before leaving, I want it in my hands. It will be mine.
—Are you talking about his phone or his owner? - Julio asks in the same tone of voice.
—Both. – I answer, leaving Julio. I approach my sister , without taking my eyes off Carlos, who is now on the other side of the room, carefree.
— Do not tell me you already want to leave... – complains my sister.
—No... I’m just seeing how it is. – I explain, smiling.
—That smile of yours does not deceive me. What are you up to?- asks my sister staring at me.
—Nothing... yet. – I answer, smiling to my sister.
— Dinner is served. - Julio says loud and clear to all his guests.
Sitting at the table, I noticed my friend is already moving his pieces. Carlos sits on my right side, but avoids any contact with me. We spent the whole dinner just with glances or glimpses. Timid looks from him and is intensely from me. The dinner is very cheerful, when he gets up and says:
—Thank you all, but I need to go. I have another commitment.
He smiles in my direction, then to the guests, and leaves the table. My entire body shakes to the point of making me get up and go after him. I do not control my steps, just as I can not control my hand that holds the shoulder of Carlos, who turns, surprised. I smile at him without grace, without having the slightest idea of what to say.
—Sorry... but don’t you think it’s a little early to leave? - I ask. what the hell is that?— I mean... I think you should stay a little longer...
—I appreciate your solidarity with my absence, but I need to meet my fiancée. - replies Carlos. — And I’m already very late.
—All right. - I say, a little disappointed.
—Happy new year... - he says, putting on his coat, while he forces his memory to remember my name.
—Dalia. - I reply promptly. I go towards her face and give her a kiss on the cheek saying:— Happy New Year, Carlos.
— I’ll see you around. - says Carlos without grace, opening the door.
—No doubt. - I answer with my best smile.
I take my cell phone and call my parents to pick me up. I do not want to stay at the party where Carlos would not be. I need to stay home and think about how I would conquer it. I go back to the table and warn my sister and everyone that we are also going. Valeria doesn’t even care much, because the party had been a fiasco for her who was looking for a great new year’s love. We are already at the door with Julio, when my friend gives me a hug and then holds my hand , giving a kiss lightly. I feel like he put something in my hand, but he prevents me from opening it.
—New year’s gift. Only open when you get home. - orders Julio, enigmatic.
I smile and get in the car with my sister. I hoped to open my hand right there, but I did not know what it could be and if it was, everything was possible. I don’t even get into the house and I run to the bedroom and throw myself in my bed. I decide to open my hand , when my sister enters the room like a tornado and lies next to me, curious.
—What did he give you? - asks Valeria.
—I’ll find out now. - I say raising my hand.
Gradually a white paper with a phone number will appear. But what makes me happy is the name that comes below: Carlos Salazar.
— Whose number is that? - asks my sister with wide eyes.
—From my future husband. - I reply with a sly smile on my lips.
One thing I know for sure: Now the hunt begins.
BRAZIL, MARCH 31, 2015.I'm engrossed in my phone, just a few lines away from finishing the book I'm reading, which, as incredible as it may seem, resonates with many aspects of my marriage. I'm so engrossed in the plot that I disconnect from everything else:"Dália!" my husband calls, drawing my attention. I look towards the wooden door from which he emerges with his charming smile. "Come see."I put down my phone and walk to the door, stepping outside where my husband stands on the sidewalk, looking at the facade. I join him and also start to admire the bold letters:Carlos's Delicacies"It's perfect!" I compliment, admiring the front of our restaurant.Yes, a lot has changed in my life... in our lives. After flying to Paris, we made some decisions. The first was Carlos quitting his job. He insisted on throwing his phone from the top of the Eiffel Tower when he finished his call with Rubens. I did the same with the real estate agency. However, I didn't throw my phone because we need
"Passengers of flight 357 to Lisbon, boarding will take place at gate C... Attention, passengers of flight 357, bound for Lisbon, boarding will take place at gate C..."This was what the announcement was saying when I arrived at the airport just a few minutes before my husband's flight was due to depart. Unlike what you see in movies, buying a ticket to enter the departure area isn't as difficult as it seems, because there wasn't a huge line in front of me, to begin with for buying a ticket."Good morning, ma'am, how can I assist you?""I need a ticket for any international flight departing right now.""Right now? Ah, well..." the young man starts, opening his screen.However, the clerk who attended to me wasn't very fast."Young man, I need to enter the departure area in thirty minutes," I say, looking at the departure and arrival display screen.Knowing my husband, it was unlikely he bought a first-class ticket or even a VIP one. As he always used to argue: at the moment of death, t
After leaving my children with the nanny and taking a shower, I head to the address of the summons, which happens to be Elson's office address. I press the elevator button that takes me to the penultimate floor in a matter of seconds. The panoramic view of the city welcomes me, and then I approach the receptionist:"Good morning, I'm Dália Penedo Salazar and I received a summons for today.""Good morning, Mrs. Salazar. Just a moment to inform Dr. Elson that you're here" says the receptionist.She smiles in my direction, raises her index finger, and then turns to speak on the phone. The receptionist exchanges a few words amid fake giggles and hair tosses, then turns to me, saying:"Dr. Elson is waiting for you in the conference room. Please follow me."She stands up from her seat, adjusting her tight but elegant purple dress, making me question my choice of wearing wide-legged pants and a white shirt. The receptionist says a few things, but I don't retain anything in my mind because al
X...As always, the night with you was wonderful and unforgettable. Your touch, your scent, your kiss, and the way you make love to me will always be etched in my mind. As well as your words...You were very important in my life. I tried to fight the desire I felt for you all these years, and lost the battle several times. You are a part of me; my life didn't make much sense until you appeared, and I'm grateful to you for being my friend, confidant, my lover...It's undeniable that we are perfect for each other, that we have harmony and chemistry... in bed.Our relationship boils down to the bed, to sex, and it has always been that way...A few years ago, I would have given anything to live this relationship beyond the bedroom door, but today I understand that it's not possible, and I know you will understand that too.When you said that you wanted me and couldn't live without me... I didn't feel what I wanted to feel when I heard those words. I know the first thing that came to your
My eyes search X's face for any trace of falsehood. His jaw is relaxed, and his eyes are serene... He turns towards the table where he tossed the envelope and retrieves it. Then he turns towards me, holding it up in my direction.“Open it, so you can confirm what I'm telling you,” he says.I take the envelope while taking a deep breath. My trembling hands struggle to tear the paper... or some greater force didn't want me to discover the truth. I press harder, and finally, it gives way, allowing me to see the report that I unfold calmly. There it is: according to the examination conducted using Carlos's blood, Juan was his son. I breathe a sigh of relief, but then the feeling of regret hits me. I could have avoided the dinner with Carlos if I had opened that damned envelope.“So? Am I right or not?” X asks.“You are,” I whisper as I let my body slide into one of the chairs. I stare at X and then ask what came to my mind. “How is that possible?”“I was born with a lack of reproductive d
Carlos wipes away his tears as he looks at the paternity test. His hands smooth the paper before he places it back on the table, taking a deep breath. His brown eyes lock onto mine, and then he says:“I don't want to know.”“Carlos, please,” I whisper.“Juan will always be my son, and no piece of paper will say otherwise,” Carlos says, pressing his index finger against the paper repeatedly. He hands me back the envelope, wiping his face. “He has been my son for four years, and he always will be. Juan Carlos is my son, he is a Salazar, and he always will be.”“Whatever you say,” I agree, putting the envelope away once again.“Does he know?” Carlos asks, looking at me seriously. His gaze is a sea of disappointment that I can't bear to meet.“No,” I reply, wiping my face. “He has no idea.”“If I were in his shoes, I'd want to know if I have a child out there,” Carlos claims.“Carlos, please...”“He has the right to know, Dália,” Carlos argues. “Tell him.”“Alright, I'll do that,” I affir
“What? How? When?”The sommelier approaches with our waters, pouring them into our glasses while pretending not to notice my tear-streaked face and the tense atmosphere. How did my husband know everything? How? I couldn't comprehend...“Africa,” Carlos reveals, withdrawing his hand from mine and then sliding his fingers through the cutlery without looking at me. “You always had the terrible habit of leaving your things open. When you traveled, I decided to use the home computer for work... I saw it all. Your conversations, your emails, you're asking him to call you...”“Why didn't you...?”“Why didn't I tell you? Or why didn't I leave you when I found out?” Carlos questions, thoughtful. “Simple, I loved you, Dália. When I read everything, I felt guilty. I threw you into his arms, but I wasn't ready to lose you... Give up on you. I was sincere when I showed up in Africa. I really wanted to be the husband you deserved, because if I could manage that, I knew I'd forget that man once and
La Barca looked as beautiful as that day when we came for the first time; that's what I was thinking as the concierge led me to the reserved table on the terrace. He pulls out a chair for me, and I sit down promptly. He steps away, and I find myself admiring the nighttime view of Barcelona while my mind wandered, considering the possibilities. There were chances Carlos might not come or might come with someone else. Even the possibility of being followed, and X showing up there. Regardless, I tried to convince myself to see it through. I place my hands in front of my face, repeating to myself: I needed to put an end to this, I needed to...“Dália?” Carlos calls, standing in front of me. “Is everything okay?”“Hi, Carlos,” I say, adjusting my hands on the table. “Yes, it is.”“Would you like something to drink before choosing your dishes?” the sommelier asks.“Just water, please,” I say, nervously unable to look at the young man.“Wow...”“What?” I ask quickly.“For you to order water,
I spun the envelope in my hands. I had buried that desire to know who Juan's father was many years ago, even now with everything that's happening. However, as they say, the truth always comes out. My fingers would glide over the edges in a simple gesture, and everything would be revealed. All it would take is my fingers coming together and tearing open the edge, and that's it. Simple... easy... Yet, I didn't feel like I was the one who should open the envelope. I didn't feel entitled to do so. I take a deep breath and then place it on my coffee table. Furthermore, I stand up and walk to the hallway, where I grab my purse, open it, and take out my cell phone. I scroll through my call list until I reach a specific number—the number of the person I believe has the right to know. After a few rings, the line is answered.“Hello?”“Hi, Carlos,” I say calmly.“Is something wrong?” Carlos asks, concerned.“We need to talk...”“Dália, if it's about the summons, know that it's for the best this
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