4. UNPLEASANT ENCOUNTERS

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 focus on my favorite music while watching the landscape rush by.

We arrive at the venue, which is very elegant, and I awkwardly follow my parents. I sit where my mother indicates, keeping my headphones on, and start fidgeting with my napkin while listening to their conversation. At least my father has managed to make her stop insulting me, which I silently thank him for with a glance.

They start talking among themselves and forget, as usual, that I'm present. Although occasionally they turn to me to ask something I can't hear, and I just nod with a timid smile.

"Are you sure, Isabella?" Dad asks very seriously. I haven't heard his question, but seeing Mom signaling me to say yes, I do.

I never imagined that "yes" I said without knowing what it was about would embark me on a nightmare I couldn't escape from. My father owns a shipbuilding company that was handed down by my grandfather, Santiago Sardino. My father is an only child, like me, and until recently was the heir to his father's other companies. However, now I am, since my father demanded his inheritance while still alive and my grandfather granted it.

My mother, Eva Giménez, was my father's secretary when they were young. I don't know the story behind their relationship well, as neither of them talks about it. It seems to be something forbidden, so I stopped asking about it. According to what my mother furiously says when she insults me, I was born as the result of a mistake during a drunken night. Having me wasn't in her plans, and that's something she hasn't stopped reminding me of throughout my life. She seems to hate my existence and I know she doesn't love me, nor does she allow my father to do so. If she ever sees him showing me affection, she always finds an excuse to punish me in the worst possible way. I think that's why my father avoids treating me well in front of her.

That's why I was raised mainly by nannies and spent much time at my paternal grandparents' house until I was sent to a girls' school. I'm considered a precious object they must display when meeting with their partners, to project the image of a loving family. In those moments, I know I shouldn't participate in conversations, simply answer briefly when asked something and nothing more. I can't intervene, even if I have knowledge about the topic being discussed.

At ten years old, I was sent to a convent boarding school, where I stayed until recently when I turned nineteen. Because of this, I don't have many friends and I'm very shy. My favorite hobbies are reading, music, and dancing, activities where I can be myself without anyone watching. Currently, I'm in my second year of maritime business administration, because my father decided so. My opinion, as always, doesn't matter.

I watch as my parents stand up, looking cheerful, and decide to mirror their attitude. I turn my head to see a married couple approaching with a young man slightly older than me, but very attractive. They seem familiar, though I can't remember where I've seen them before. They finally reach us and embrace. I simply watch them, waiting for my turn to greet them.

"Is this your daughter, Eva?" asks the lady, feigning surprise. "How beautiful she is! How old is she?"

"Yes, dear Emilia, this is my Isabella," my mother responds with a smile full of ineffable love, as if she truly felt it. She's never looked at me like that when we're alone! It's amazing to see how well she can pretend, since all my life I've felt she's never loved me. Just a while ago she was insulting me and saying I was her shame, and now she presents me as her treasure.

"Oh, she looks younger!" exclaims the lady, looking me up and down. I have the feeling I know her, but nothing comes to mind. I smile, trying to be charming and make her forget about my clothes.

I notice my mother glaring at me. "I told you so!" I seem to read in her eyes, "You should have worn the other dress!" I smile timidly as I stand up to greet them.

"Pleased to meet you," I say when she extends her hand.

"Lovely, but don't be shy," she says and immediately turns to her son, who was standing behind her with a bored expression, which instantly changed to one of incredible happiness. Not even the best actor could have done it better! I think. "Don't you remember my son Luisito?"

She speaks while pulling my hand and kissing both my cheeks. Then she turns, and I with her, to face her son, who suddenly floods back into my memory. He's the abusive boy who tormented me so much when I was little! I watch him observe me with what seems like a sly smile, as if I were prey he's about to devour.

"Don't you remember spending holidays together?" his mother asks.