At this moment, Santiago didn't know what to think. He trusted Humberto implicitly and knew that what he was saying was true. Humberto had lost his daughter to enemies and had since lived solely for Isabella. But how had Isabella become pregnant if she hadn't been assaulted?"Were you, by any chance, in the operating theatre or the recovery room?" Santiago asked hopefully."No," Humberto answered thoughtfully.Santiago sighed, feeling a great pain in his chest. "Do you think it could have happened there?""That would be the only place where they could have done it to her, but she was in a terrible state at that time. I don't think they would have been capable of doing it with so many people around," Humberto said, visibly affected. "But I'll find out, I assure you, sir. If anyone touched young Isabella, I'll kill them, no matter who they are.""Are you certain no one could have done it later in her room?" Santiago repeated the question.Humberto s
He stood up, fetched her a glass of water, and made sure she drank it all. Then, he sat beside her and embraced her tightly, still without saying a word. Only when he felt her relax did he speak."Isa, you're not to blame for any of this. It was they who did this and killed your parents. As Rodrigo told you, how could you have known they were planning to plant a bomb on your parents' yacht to murder them and take everything?" Santiago tried to make her understand and stop crying and feeling guilty. "It's true that you should have told me from the beginning so I'd know what to expect, but I still understand your situation."Santiago paused, seeing that Marta was crying more, and embraced her affectionately again. Then, wiping away her tears, he told her that regarding taking advantage of Isabella, he didn't believe that was the case. She was the sister that Bella needed to move forward in Paris. Despite being with her grandparents, they were often absent due to Tania's illn
She took another long sip from the wine glass in her hand, emptying it, and refilled it as she reclined, inexplicably recalling her life. Was it because she had managed to acquire her parents' house when they first came to her for help? It was the only thing left of their entire fortune.At fifteen, her parents went bankrupt as the debts she had caused them to incur were too much for mere merchants. They weren't millionaires, but they had a good life. She had everything she wanted, everything! If they didn't buy it willingly, she'd get it herself, pawning or selling anything she could behind their backs. All that mattered was maintaining her status among the high society crowd.Her best friend, silly Susan, as she called her. After Eva put on quite a performance about her parents abandoning her on the street and disappearing with all their wealth. She played the part well, even saying she'd decided to end her life.She knew Susan would immediately take pit
Afterwards, she followed Susan abroad. She made her suffer as much as she wanted, taking revenge for Santiago's rejection. She managed to hide her well throughout the pregnancy. She claimed to be a surrogate mother, then staged the whole suicide spectacle, and the rest was easy. The hospital where she had Susan confined, apart from not knowing her real name and origin, was full of heartless people. When she returned, she was carrying Isabella in her arms.She had made her friend believe that the child was stillborn. Susan suffered a nervous breakdown, but she made sure it worsened by swapping her pills for ones that caused hallucinations. Susan was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Eva ensured, by paying a doctor, that she would never be released and would remain ill. She visited annually to pay the doctor and make certain they wouldn't let her out.Old man Sardino never liked her from the first time he saw her. He accepted her after the paternity test proved Isabe
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
Afterwards, she followed Susan abroad. She made her suffer as much as she wanted, taking revenge for Santiago's rejection. She managed to hide her well throughout the pregnancy. She claimed to be a surrogate mother, then staged the whole suicide spectacle, and the rest was easy. The hospital where she had Susan confined, apart from not knowing her real name and origin, was full of heartless people. When she returned, she was carrying Isabella in her arms.She had made her friend believe that the child was stillborn. Susan suffered a nervous breakdown, but she made sure it worsened by swapping her pills for ones that caused hallucinations. Susan was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Eva ensured, by paying a doctor, that she would never be released and would remain ill. She visited annually to pay the doctor and make certain they wouldn't let her out.Old man Sardino never liked her from the first time he saw her. He accepted her after the paternity test proved Isabe
She took another long sip from the wine glass in her hand, emptying it, and refilled it as she reclined, inexplicably recalling her life. Was it because she had managed to acquire her parents' house when they first came to her for help? It was the only thing left of their entire fortune.At fifteen, her parents went bankrupt as the debts she had caused them to incur were too much for mere merchants. They weren't millionaires, but they had a good life. She had everything she wanted, everything! If they didn't buy it willingly, she'd get it herself, pawning or selling anything she could behind their backs. All that mattered was maintaining her status among the high society crowd.Her best friend, silly Susan, as she called her. After Eva put on quite a performance about her parents abandoning her on the street and disappearing with all their wealth. She played the part well, even saying she'd decided to end her life.She knew Susan would immediately take pit
He stood up, fetched her a glass of water, and made sure she drank it all. Then, he sat beside her and embraced her tightly, still without saying a word. Only when he felt her relax did he speak."Isa, you're not to blame for any of this. It was they who did this and killed your parents. As Rodrigo told you, how could you have known they were planning to plant a bomb on your parents' yacht to murder them and take everything?" Santiago tried to make her understand and stop crying and feeling guilty. "It's true that you should have told me from the beginning so I'd know what to expect, but I still understand your situation."Santiago paused, seeing that Marta was crying more, and embraced her affectionately again. Then, wiping away her tears, he told her that regarding taking advantage of Isabella, he didn't believe that was the case. She was the sister that Bella needed to move forward in Paris. Despite being with her grandparents, they were often absent due to Tania's illn
At this moment, Santiago didn't know what to think. He trusted Humberto implicitly and knew that what he was saying was true. Humberto had lost his daughter to enemies and had since lived solely for Isabella. But how had Isabella become pregnant if she hadn't been assaulted?"Were you, by any chance, in the operating theatre or the recovery room?" Santiago asked hopefully."No," Humberto answered thoughtfully.Santiago sighed, feeling a great pain in his chest. "Do you think it could have happened there?""That would be the only place where they could have done it to her, but she was in a terrible state at that time. I don't think they would have been capable of doing it with so many people around," Humberto said, visibly affected. "But I'll find out, I assure you, sir. If anyone touched young Isabella, I'll kill them, no matter who they are.""Are you certain no one could have done it later in her room?" Santiago repeated the question.Humberto s
Santiago stood for a moment looking at his security guard in whom he trusted more than himself in the care of his daughter. That was why he measured the way he spoke to Humberto, because he knew he had done an excellent job."Humberto, ever since Eva appeared with my daughter, I entrusted you with her care. I asked you to look after her as if she were your own," Santiago began, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "Before you even consider deceiving me or lying about what I'm about to ask, I warn you that I know my daughter's entire story. That's why I need you to be honest and tell me the truth. I know you're loyal to her and her alone, and I'm grateful for that. But something has happened to Isabella, and I need you to be truthful with me.""What's happened to young Isabella?" Humberto asked, concern evident in his voice."First, you'll answer my questions before I answer yours," Santiago interjected. "Did you know that Luis had beaten her?""Yes," Humb
Eva leant forward and took the floor, proceeding to explain that Mrs Thompson was the sole heiress of a very powerful family involved in the alcoholic beverage industry. After marrying Thompson and inheriting everything, all the factories and businesses of that family ceased to exist. Some were dismantled or repurposed, and most were sold off."Many rumours suggested that Mr Thompson forced his wife to sell her entire inheritance to advance his own company," Eva continued, "but no one knows for certain what happened to the enormous sum of money she possessed and the proceeds from the sale of all her assets. You might find something there."Néstor remained pensive until he finally decided to investigate the matter. He also agreed that Eva and Oswaldo should leave for another country, as his father was already protesting about keeping them there."Very well," Néstor said, nodding thoughtfully. "I'll look into this. As for you two, make arrangements t
Eva glared at him with murderous intent, but Oswaldo had long since stopped minding what he said to her. He continued, unfazed by Eva's furious gaze."That drug you were giving him was truly potent. Your plan worked out well, but you failed to make the most of it. You devoted yourself to living the high life—well, to be honest, we both lived the high life on your husband's money—instead of squirrelling away funds in an account for when he'd leave you penniless, as he has now. Because I'm certain you knew your relationship with him had an expiration date."Eva remained silent for a moment after Oswaldo finished. Then she took the bottle, poured herself a glass, and topped up Oswaldo's. They both sat down again, with Oswaldo watching her contentedly."You know what? I'll give you that," Eva agreed, to Oswaldo's surprise as he peered at her through the smoke of his cigar. "Though I must confess, I thought I had a few more years before he'd wake up. When
The employee hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing with his report. He knew that every detail could be crucial in his boss's schemes."After he and his sister returned from studying abroad, Christian devoted himself to travelling between his city and the one where they now live, always pursuing his current wife. He would stay at the same hotel, Le Méridien, have one or two drinks, and then disappear. He was always accompanied by his bodyguards.""Blast it! There must be something we can use to trick him," Néstor exclaimed. "Call Eva; she's bound to know some weakness in that family. As for Susan, no one has paid much attention to that, since she herself went on television saying those rumours were false, that she was never kidnapped by the Thompsons and the Sardinos, and that she would soon marry Santiago. She looked happy with her grandchildren."While they were discussing in the office, Eva, in her room with Oswaldo, couldn
Santiago looked at Christian with a mixture of confusion and disbelief, waiting for an explanation."Because in trying to deceive my parents, I deceived myself," Christian answered honestly."What do you mean?" Santiago continued to question him, unable to believe what he was hearing."The paternity tests I had done were with hair from my sister and me. She helped me to avoid marrying Adele, and we managed to fool my parents," Christian explained, smiling as he realised he only needed to do tests with Lucas and Lucia."This is unheard of, absolutely unheard of!" Santiago exclaimed, and then immediately asked, "Are you telling me that all this time you've believed your children weren't yours, and Isabella still thinks that?""Not just her, her parents too," Christian revealed, causing his father-in-law to look at him uncomprehendingly."My parents? What do you mean?" Santiago asked, though he suspected the answer."Grandfather came up with the idea