18. CONTINUATION

 Luis stops for a moment to observe me. His look at that moment I think is one of condescension, and I even seemed to perceive a flash of pity before he continued.

 "Your dad initially didn't accept this marriage when it was proposed to him, he flatly refused to let you marry me. It was something I was counting on to avoid doing it. That he would keep refusing until the end, but he didn't," he finished with anger and disappointment in his voice.

I can't believe what he's confessing to me. What does that mean? Dad really doesn't want this marriage? Could I get divorced if I tell him what's really happening? Grandfather says he's not as ill as mom claims. But hearing what Luis continues to say fills me with doubts.

"He didn't, and look at us here, married!" He says, both disappointed and annoyed. "Your dad finally gave in and handed you over to me because of what Eva did to him!"

He tells me and I believe him, I don't think dad wanted to leave me in his hands. Mom must have said or done something to make him give in. Is that why she insisted I tell him I had been in love with Luis since childhood? The curiosity to know what mom did to force dad to give in wins me over, and I stay listening, wanting to know. Because something tells me that everything Luis is telling me today is true. I don't know what his objective is, but I can see his sincere look, he's not making anything up.

"Why are you so ignorant of your mother's actions?" he asks, igniting my curiosity. "She left him and squandered his money in a casino for a month until he gave in. Your father is merely a pawn that your mother moves at her whim."

"That's a falsehood! Cease fabricating tales about my parents to frighten me! I neither understand nor care for your insinuations. If your intent is to sway my beliefs or intimidate me into remaining married, you can well forget it!" I retort with conviction, turning to leave before pivoting back to confront him. "But should there be any truth to your words, I have my grandfather's support, and I'm well aware that you know of his influence. If my father fails to act, my grandfather will uphold his commitments! Good evening, Louis!"

That was the last of our encounters. We continued on with our separate lives—mine filled with school, libraries, and time at my grandparents' house; Luis in his world of endless parties and women. Occasionally, I sensed his presence as he stormed up to his room or chastised the servants, never once seeking me out. Yet, I've noticed his appearances have become more frequent of late.

 Luckily when I returned late at night from my school, he was gone. Well, his schedule clashed with mine. He sleeps until noon, I get up very early and go to school. I don't know how he works in his father's companies. Who starts work at two in the afternoon?

  After the conversation with Luis, I was a little worried. I knew that Mom was capable of really planning when I separated from him, to marry someone else, I'm not going to allow that. I'll find a way to tell my grandfather. I am sure that he will use all his power to free me from that fate. Why would my mother hate me the way she does?

 The other day Luis came early, he took me by surprise, because he had disappeared for a long time, and when he came to the house he did it at times when I was not there or late at night. So seeing him stopped in front of me when I opened my eyes because I had fallen asleep on the sofa made me scared. He didn't say a single word, he just looked at me, then turned around and left.

That day I felt him leave, I was really tired. I had never really bolted my room before. I just closed the door, I didn't feel afraid. However, I regretted it very soon, as I had the impression that someone was watching me. Although I couldn't see anyone, I felt it. It never crossed my mind that it was him.

Very soon I was convinced that it was. I had acquired the habit of locking my room, because another night I heard him enter and stop next to my bed. I could smell the stench of alcohol, but he did nothing, after observing me for a while he gave the turn and walked away. Luis was stalking me like an animal in heat! He had realized that there was a woman in me. It was a matter of time before he attacked me.

I had begun to harbour a fear of him, so I made it a habit to ring Mrs. Gisela, our housekeeper, before returning, to ensure he wasn't present and avoid an encounter. Yet, on that fateful evening, I had not called ahead. Engrossed in my work until late, it hadn't crossed my mind. I assumed that if he had come back, he would surely be asleep by then, which is why I didn't check what awaited me at home. And that was when everything transpired.

End of flashback.

How dare he strike me in such a barbaric way? I pondered, unable to stem the flow of tears. What if I ring Dad and tell him? He warned Luis on the evening of the dinner; he surely must have known that Luis was prone to violence against women and was cautioning him. Will he stand up for me, or is there truth in Luis's accusation that Mum manipulates him at her whim?

 I must concede, he's not wrong about that; not even Grandfather could sway her once she'd set her mind on sending me to that school. Fortunately, grandpa visited me daily and his gifts and money sweetened the attitude of my teachers; they treated me quite well thereafter and allowed me to read anything I pleased. It wasn't all bad, in the end. They ought to have left me there, rather than concocting this entire wedding charade. Is mom a gambling addict and that's why dad is almost bankrupt? Is that the reason?