*Alejandro*When I returned, Lucas was standing close to Nora's room. “Sorry I kept you waiting,” I said. He smiled and waved his hand. “It's fine.” He said. Though my date with Anna had come to an abrupt end, I was glad I could spend the night with Lucas. Alone. “Have you had dinner?” I asked. “No.” He replied, “Perfect. Let's have dinner together.” I said. “That would be nice. But,” he paused and inhaled. One hand stuck into his pocket. “I have plans with a friend.” He said. “The doctor said Mom would need company for the night. Could you please stay with her?” He asked. This was the first time he was asking me anything. He never asked anything from me, and hearing him asked me to stay with his mom, though it is not something I want to do and I wasn't going to do it, I was glad he was asking me something.I agreed to stay with Nora and watched him leave.Williams soon came after some time. “What happened to Nora?” I asked him when he sat close to me. “Well, she collapsed. I di
*Andrea*I didn't want the morning to come. I didn't think it would be here within the twinkle of an eye. My head was on top of Alejandro's chest.Maybe it's because it is the first time we lay in my room together. After all, it's different. It didn't feel like the regular night we always had. We have spent so much time together in the past, but this felt special.I listened to his heartbeat, which had suddenly became my favorite sound. Slowly, I raised my head. He was still asleep. My hair fell on his chest, and I brushed it to the back.I smiled as I stared at his handsome face. His brows were perfectly arched, his nose straight as it should be. Some strands of hair fell on his face, and I brushed it up, careful jog to not disturb his sleep. It was still dark outside. I reached for my phone on the table close to my bed. It was 5:30 am. I placed the phone back. Alison is an early riser and would soon be up. Though I did not want to, I knew I had to wake Alejandro from his sleep so
*Nora*The hospital was suddenly quiet now that Alejandro was gone. Williams was seated by the corner without a word. I ran my hand through my hair. When I fell in the hall and pretended to have lost consciousness, this was not the plan. I didn't think I'd have Williams watch me through the night instead of Alejandro. It was all going well; when Williams called Lucas and he came, I knew he would call his father. He is a good son. He wanted Alejandro to stay the night with me, and I thought it would be possible.I thought Alejandro would stay, but he had to run off with an excuse, and I could do nothing about it.I rested my head on the pillow, hoping to doze off, but I couldn't.I was already wearing this uncomfortable gown and had yet to wash my makeup off my face. It was no use staying here if Alejandro would not show up.Feeling frustrated, I sat, leaning my back against the bed frame. Williams stood immediately and walked towards me, a worried expression plastered on his face. “
*Andrea*“I don't want to speak in front of strangers.” She said, looking at me, “Leave!” She ordered.“Why should I?” I think it was time I stood up to her less she thinks I am some pushover. Her eyes widened in surprise. I have never spoken to her in such a tone before. Yes, I wanted my relationship with Alejandro to be a secret, and I know I shouldn't try to push him to interfere, but I honestly don't want him to interfere.“What did you say? It seems you don't know your place, and you need to be reminded,” she said, her voice filled with disdain. “I don't. You met me engrossed in an important discussion with my boss; you can't just butt in and tell me to get out.” I said. Her face reddened with anger, “and I think it is you who needs to be reminded of your place.”Alejandro had a slight smile on his face in support of my outburst. Clara's lips trembled in anger as she tried to speak. She couldn't form a coherent word. She turned to Alejandro, her chest heaved up and down. “Al
*Andrea*“Are you sure you want this? If you still feel good, you can stay back.” Her voice mixed with concern. “I am fine. I just felt a little dizzy earlier, but I am okay now.” Besides, it was too late to return since we were already in a cab.The car pulled up in front of a bar. Alison stepped out first and handed money to the driver. We walked into the bar, which was lively and filled with people.The colorful light glowed on those dancing on the floor. Alison and I found a table and sat. A waiter came, and we ordered drinks. “You look stressed,” Alison said. How do I explain to her that I've been feeling unlike myself for the past weeks? I got tired easily and was always sleepy and dizzy. “I think it's work,” I said. I noticed a woman walking into the bar; she had red hair styled in a ponytail. She stood at the entrance and looked around as if looking for someone, and when her eyes landed on our table, she started towards us.“Andrea, are you here?” It seemed Alison had said s
*Nora*I felt my anger grow. What did he mean we can't be together? I paced around my room, fiddling with my finger. I don't know where this so-called Anna girl came from, but she wasn't going to ruin my plans.I would get Alejandro, even if it means doing whatever I can to get her out of my way. What did he even find in her? She wasn't even beautiful.I stood in front of my window; the curtains pulled to the side. A breeze rushed into the room, and I tucked some strands of my hair behind my ear. “What do I do?” Lucas had called to ask me how it went, but I disappointed him again. Scratch that! Not that I care about him.I am just using him to get Alejandro. And he seems to be very helpful except for the fact that Alejandro was refusing to play along. If only he had drunk the drink right after I had given him. Yes, I spiked the drink. He would have lost control eventually, and I would have gotten into bed with him. The plan was simple.I walked to my bed and sat on the edge, slowly
*Andrea*This fool. This moron. He thinks he can come back into my life and ruin it. He placed his hand on his face, surprise written over his eyes. “Andrea I…”“Not another word,” I warned furiously. “And you think I deserve this? Why did you slap me?” “Who the fuck do you think you are to hold me back. If it has not been clear to you that I no longer love you or want you in my life, I hope it is now.” I warned. “Why? Are you seeing someone?” He asked, and I wondered why he was just asking. “Why can't you answer? Are you in a relationship with someone?” I had my back facing him. I froze when he asked the question a second time, my betrayal to Alejandro ringing in my ear. How would he feel if he knew? I turned slowly, trying to mask my fear with anger, “What does that have to do with you?” I asked“Your reaction clearly shows you have no one. And even if you did, it must be a fling. Maybe you are just his plaything.” He said. “Why? Are you being mean now because I no longer want
*Nora*I couldn't tell how happy I was to see Andrea in such a mood. After the little visit to her house, I walked into the sitting room. My mood was elevated. In two days, Alejandro would be mine, and Andrea would be gone for good.“Are you going out?" I asked, seeing Alejandro leaving. He hmm'd in response. I was used to his half-hearted response, so I didn't mind. “Where are you coming from?” He asked. I stopped on my track. Was this him caring about me? Since I came to this house, he has never cared about me or asked me any questions. I felt like he didn't care about me. That was the sad truth, though. But hearing him ask about where I had been could only make me wonder if he missed me. “I went to the hospital. I had an appointment with my doctor.”“I thought you wouldn't answer and would rather stand there like a brick.” He said.He wore the jacket he was holding. “Lucas was here asking after you. He was worried because you weren't taking your calls,” he said. Oh, so that was