Santiago and his father stared intently at the girls, who were at a loss for what to do or say. Despite her earlier words, Marta had quickly released Rodrigo's hand, and he too seemed unable to react. Isabella looked at her father and, seeing his reproachful head shake, hugged her grandmother, hiding behind her.
"Seriously, Bella? Are you going to pass your sister off as Rodrigo's girlfriend?" Santiago asked, trying to coax Isabella out from behind her grandmother."Dad, it's not what you think!" Marta stepped forward, attempting to defend Isabella, who was silently pleading for help. "Dad, it's not Bella who's with Rodrigo... it's me!""This is the limit, Isabella," he said, to the astonishment of all three women. "Now you want to pass Marta off as your lover's girlfriend to deceive me?""Dad!" Isabella exclaimed, emerging from behind her grandmother, who was chuckling at the mess unfolding before her. "Dad, I swear on everything sacred that I have nothing to doAfter all the commotion surrounding Marta and Rodrigo's relationship, everyone in the house is delighted that they are a couple. They hold the young man in high regard and know he is very responsible. They are particularly pleased that he respected her throughout and that, had Marta not essentially won his heart, he wouldn't have pursued the relationship.The following day, Mrs Tania invited Augusto, her lifelong bodyguard, and his wife Leila for lunch. She wanted to quickly formalise Rodrigo and Marta's relationship, as the couple couldn't stop gazing at each other happily. Since Marta's arrival with Isabella, she had initially remained very quiet, and although everyone loved her and made her feel like family, they could sense that she felt inhibited in many ways.Now she is brimming with happiness, constantly smiling and allowing others to embrace her, something she didn't commonly do before. This is especially true after managing to have Rodrigo assigned as her bo
Christian lay on his bed after emerging from the bathroom, where he had indulged in fantasies about Isabella. He was seriously considering visiting his psychologist, as he believed his current state wasn't normal. Could he truly not live without her? It had all seemed so real-her body in his hands, how he had plunged into her repeatedly. Was Isabella actually visiting him, remaining silent so he wouldn't realise it was her? Did she know he was blind and accept him as he was?At that moment, the bedroom lights switched on as his mother entered. He sat up abruptly."Mum, I think... I think I saw the light when you turned it on. You did turn it on, didn't you?""Yes, son, I just did. Are you regaining your sight as the doctor said? David... David... come and see Chris, David!""What is it, Mother-in-law? I'm here," David said, rushing into Christian's room, followed by his wife Christie and Mr Thomson, who had come in response to Mrs Thomps
Everyone thinks that being the heiress of a wealthy family makes you happy. In their minds, they create a wonderful fantasy life that, in my case, is far from reality. Despite being the sole heiress of one of the most powerful families in my country—not only to my parents but also to my grandfather Santiago Sardino, a feared mafia millionaire—I am the most miserable person imaginable since I can remember.In the numerous novels I've read, rich children like me are always portrayed as petulant, conceited, and doing whatever they want without caring about anything. They face their parents without fear. I assure you that's not my case; I'm quite the opposite. My mother made sure of that, and now I find myself trapped in this miserable life they've imposed on me.It's been over six months since I've been living this arranged marriage charade. So far, I have no complaints. My fake husband, Luis, barely spends time at home. I'm immersed in my studies and visit my grandparents every day afte
I look at him with hatred, feeling a lump in my throat from the helplessness of the situation and my inability to act. He turns around and heads for the stairs, leaving me alone and in pain on the floor. Tears of frustration run down my cheeks, but I try to pull myself together and stand up. Suddenly, he turns and shouts at me from above."Bella, you're not a woman, you're too ugly! You have terrible taste in clothes! You're horrible! Your body is pathetic! It's embarrassing for me to walk arm in arm with you and introduce you as my wife! You know why I married you!" he spits out all that venom with rage.I can't believe what just happened. Luis hasn't just hurt me with his words; he's hit me. Although I try to stay strong, it deeply hurts to know that he doesn't value me as a person. This situation has opened my eyes to a reality I've been avoiding for a long time.Since childhood, I've always felt the pressure to please my parents and maintain the appearance of a perfect family. But
With my head resting on the steering wheel, I cry until a memory comes to mind, as if God had enlightened me. I remember the apartment my grandfather gave me in the city center many years ago, I think when I turned sixteen; it was my birthday present. I remember it as if it were yesterday: he took me secretly from home and led me there with such mystery to give it to me. "Nobody knows about its existence, just you and me," he told me.The happiness that fills me is enormous. I search through my purse and find the address and, on my keyring, the key that opens it. I look up the location on my phone, which immediately plots the route; it's not that far. I drive there. Upon arrival, I have to show my ID at the entrance because the doorman is new and doesn't know me. Well, I suppose the previous one wouldn't have known me either; I only came that one time when Grandfather brought me. I could never come back because they wouldn't let me out.The doorman keeps glancing at me. I've let my ha
She observes me with satisfaction and leaves. I open the bag reluctantly to find an extremely short dress that barely covers my thighs. I try it on; it's beautiful, but my breasts almost spill out of the neckline.I'll never wear something like this! What was Mom thinking buying me clothes that look more suitable for a woman of the night? No, I definitely won't wear such a garment, even if she gets furious!After my mother leaves, and having seen how the dress fits, I search through my wardrobe until I find an outfit my grandmother gave me for my birthday. It's pale pink; I try it on. It fits perfectly! Above all, I feel comfortable in it: nothing to be ashamed of or worried about men's leering looks throughout dinner.Dressed like this, I stay in my room until they're all in the car honking and calling for me. I run out and quickly get in. Since they're running late, they don't make me go back to change. My mother spends the entire journey berating me. I put my headphones on and focu
I look at the smiling lady in front of me, her image comes to my mind for an instant from when they used to visit my house before I was sent to school."I..." I don't know what to say, the words catch in my throat. "I... I..." I stammer. What are they doing here?"Don't pretend you don't remember Luisito, darling," my mother says in her fake voice. I look at her but say nothing. "You haven't stopped talking about him all these years."What? Why is my mother telling such a lie? I had never remembered him until today, I hate him!"Isabella," Dad speaks, "you said a moment ago that you remembered him."I look at Dad, not understanding what he's saying. Was that what I said yes to? Of course I remember Luis well! He was that hateful boy who always made me cry, forcing me to do things I didn't want to do. I've hated him all my life; he used to follow me everywhere and hit me when no one was watching. Then he'd manage to make me take the blame for everything he did. How could I forget? I th
I remain paralyzed, staring at them, unable to believe what they are saying. I look at Luis, who smiles like an angel, accepting everyone's congratulations while holding one of my hands in his and kissing me from time to time. And suddenly, he kneels before me and shows me, with his cynical smile, an engagement ring."Bella, since we were children, you have been a fascination to me, and you still are. As you promised me back then when you confessed your love, I have waited all these years for you. Because I have also loved you all my life and I intend to continue doing so. Thank you for accepting me as the man who will make you happy for all eternity," Luis says while placing the ring on my finger, amid everyone's applause. He doesn't even ask if I accept him, he takes it for granted. I feel trapped, unable to react or say a word. I can't find words to express my desperation; I remain frozen and at a loss for what to say. I know I can't voice my opinion; it has always been this way.
Christian lay on his bed after emerging from the bathroom, where he had indulged in fantasies about Isabella. He was seriously considering visiting his psychologist, as he believed his current state wasn't normal. Could he truly not live without her? It had all seemed so real-her body in his hands, how he had plunged into her repeatedly. Was Isabella actually visiting him, remaining silent so he wouldn't realise it was her? Did she know he was blind and accept him as he was?At that moment, the bedroom lights switched on as his mother entered. He sat up abruptly."Mum, I think... I think I saw the light when you turned it on. You did turn it on, didn't you?""Yes, son, I just did. Are you regaining your sight as the doctor said? David... David... come and see Chris, David!""What is it, Mother-in-law? I'm here," David said, rushing into Christian's room, followed by his wife Christie and Mr Thomson, who had come in response to Mrs Thomps
After all the commotion surrounding Marta and Rodrigo's relationship, everyone in the house is delighted that they are a couple. They hold the young man in high regard and know he is very responsible. They are particularly pleased that he respected her throughout and that, had Marta not essentially won his heart, he wouldn't have pursued the relationship.The following day, Mrs Tania invited Augusto, her lifelong bodyguard, and his wife Leila for lunch. She wanted to quickly formalise Rodrigo and Marta's relationship, as the couple couldn't stop gazing at each other happily. Since Marta's arrival with Isabella, she had initially remained very quiet, and although everyone loved her and made her feel like family, they could sense that she felt inhibited in many ways.Now she is brimming with happiness, constantly smiling and allowing others to embrace her, something she didn't commonly do before. This is especially true after managing to have Rodrigo assigned as her bo
Santiago and his father stared intently at the girls, who were at a loss for what to do or say. Despite her earlier words, Marta had quickly released Rodrigo's hand, and he too seemed unable to react. Isabella looked at her father and, seeing his reproachful head shake, hugged her grandmother, hiding behind her."Seriously, Bella? Are you going to pass your sister off as Rodrigo's girlfriend?" Santiago asked, trying to coax Isabella out from behind her grandmother."Dad, it's not what you think!" Marta stepped forward, attempting to defend Isabella, who was silently pleading for help. "Dad, it's not Bella who's with Rodrigo... it's me!""This is the limit, Isabella," he said, to the astonishment of all three women. "Now you want to pass Marta off as your lover's girlfriend to deceive me?""Dad!" Isabella exclaimed, emerging from behind her grandmother, who was chuckling at the mess unfolding before her. "Dad, I swear on everything sacred that I have nothing to do
He didn't know that I couldn't cash the check here. Although, about Eva's money, I think you're right. I remember hearing my father saying that Santiago's company is frozen, because it's going bankrupt. If the Sardino patriarch doesn't step in, he'll be left with nothing. So it's true what you're saying. Where's Eva going to get money from? Although, she might have her own stash hidden away."Now I understand why Eva is so agitated, although it seemed she didn't know. She says she has a good plan, it might suit us, what do you think?""Do you trust her, Luis? I don't like Eva one bit. When have you ever heard of a mother plotting to kidnap her own daughter's children? I don't like that woman, I don't. Let's hear what she's planned. But if we don't like it, we're leaving, agreed?""I don't trust her either, but she's still someone we can get money from, and right now I'm going to cash this cheque Santiago gave me to pay for Luisito's hospital bill, we can't get him out
After rescuing Adele, they had decided to leave the country for good, but to their surprise, upon returning to the house that belonged to Luis' maternal grandparents, they found a surprise. Upon opening the door, there was Vivian and her mother with the child."Mum! Vivian! What are you doing here?" Luis asked, genuinely surprised."We're so sorry, son, but the little one didn't take to the climate and had been unwell since we arrived. The doctor advised us to return to a warmer one. As we had no idea where to go, we came to stay here for a few days, so you could help us find another place. And by the way, as we couldn't send money, we collected them to come with us.""Mum, you shouldn't have done that. Dad found out about everything and he's fuming. You should have called me and explained, I would have sorted everything out from here.""Luis, it's just for a few days. Besides, I need to sort something out with my account, it won't let me withdraw the money Santi
Marta didn't respond immediately, savouring Rodrigo's warm embrace as he held her tighter and tighter, his heart beating rapidly. In that moment, she said,"It doesn't matter that you did that, I'll talk to Dad, alright?" she assured, pulling away slightly to look at him."I'd rather do it myself, man to man," Rodrigo said, holding her gaze."No!" Marta hurried to say, and added, "Daughters know best. I'll tell Mum to help me, you'll see, she'll convince them. And Bella must have realised by now and she'll help me, do you really want to do this?""Yes," Rodrigo responded firmly, "If you want it too.""Of course I do. And don't worry, if they fire you, I'll hire you, hee, hee, hee... I'll just have to pay you in a different way," and as she spoke, Marta couldn't stop running her hands over the man's well-formed torso. "I've always wanted to do this," she says without stopping caressing him, he takes her by the waist and pulls her close."And I've wanted
They quickly put on their diving suits and dive off the other side, which is impossible for those on the boat to see. Rodrigo has tied Marta to him, who follows him sinking as he indicates. The water in this area is murky, so they can't see very well, so they swim close to each other until they reach the shore. They emerge slowly, releasing the oxygen tanks, and that's when Marta runs and hugs Rodrigo and kisses him. At first, he doesn't respond, but then he returns the kiss. When they separate, she is very flushed and says,"Sorry about that, I was really scared," she says, looking down blushing.Rodrigo just looks at her, then takes her by the hand and they run along the shore, until they reach the road, while he calls Santiago."Yes, sir, we escaped, we're on the road, come for us," he asks without stopping running with her hand in his.They continue walking hand in hand in silence. Marta holds on tightly, not letting Rodrigo let go of her hand the times he ha
On the other hand, Marta is sitting across from Christie, in the office that used to be Christian's."Is it necessary for you to do this, Marta?" Christie asks very seriously."Yes, I'm going to work with dad, I can't stand being here anymore, where no one talks to me and they whisper when they see me pass," Marta states firmly. "Besides, it's for my safety.""Your safety?" Christie asks, intrigued."Yes, I have a madman chasing me," Marta confesses, knowing she can trust Christie as she stands up. "Thanks for everything, Christie. When I finish writing the story of my sister and your brother, I'll bring it to you to publish. Say hello to Chris for me, a kiss, if you need my help with anything, just call. You know my number."And she turns her back, leaving to meet the security guard Rodrigo, who is waiting for her with two other men."Let's go to my office, so you can help me pack my things to leave," Marta asks, and walks past them towards the l
There's a brief silence as he listens to the employee moving away into the stables, only to emerge later with a horse."Noel, have you seen my wife around the farm in the last few days?" he repeats his question."No, no, lad, it's just a figure of speech," the man hurries to clarify. "You seem like a lost soul, it must be because of her, even though the children come every day. You've got her under your skin, you should go back to her. Mrs Isabella is a good person. Think about it, she's still waiting for you, don't delay too much or when you want her back, someone else might have taken her.""You too, Noel?" he asks, disappointed."What do you mean?" the old man asks as he prepares the horse Christian requested."Elmira keeps saying that someone's going to steal her away. I hope she finds a healthy man who loves her like I do and makes her happy! You're right about what you say, Isabella is a good woman, that's why she doesn't deserve to be tied to a blind