5. Araceli Pov

"You should be careful." Rafael warned Araceli. 

"I know, Francisco must be onto something, now that I think about it, he wouldn't have placed the engagement on the line. I know how obsessed he is with me. He is up to no good." 

She plopped on the bed. The soft rustling sound of the sheet could be heard as her hands clenched it tight. 

Rafael asked Araceli, "So, what are you going to do about the deal with Francisco? Are you really going to go through with framing Franco for a crime just to break off your engagement?"

Araceli looked down at her hands, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't know, Rafael. I'm so torn. On the one hand, I feel betrayed by Franco for getting adopted and leaving me behind all those years ago. But on the other hand, I don't want to ruin his life by getting him fired from his job. I just don't know what to do."

Rafael put his arm around Araceli and gave her a comforting hug. "I know it's a tough decision, but you have to do what's best for you. Just remember that whatever you choose, I'll be here to support you."

Araceli nodded, still unsure of what to do. She knew that whatever decision she made, it would have a huge impact on her.  

....

It was well past midnight and Araceli was lying in bed, unable to sleep. She couldn't stop thinking about Franco. She was still reeling from the news that he had gotten married, and it filled her with a sense of betrayal and loss.

But more than anything, she was consumed by a burning desire to find out what had really happened to Franco all those years ago. She had always suspected that there was more, and now she was determined to get to the bottom of it. 

She tossed and turned in her bed, her mind racing with questions and doubts. How could Franco have gotten married? What secrets was he hiding from her? And most importantly, what had happened to him twelve years ago that had caused him to leave her behind?

Despite her exhaustion, Araceli knew that she wouldn't be able to rest until she had answers. She made up her mind to start digging for the truth, no matter what it took.

 She was determined to uncover the secrets of Franco's past, and to finally put her doubts and fears to rest.

The only way Araceli could come up to find out more about Franco was to take up the deal with Francisco. 

Araceli sat up in bed, her mind made up. She grabbed her phone and dialed Rafael's number, determined to tell him her decision.

"Rafael, it's Araceli. I'm sorry to call you so late, but I need to talk to you about the deal with Francisco. I've made up my mind. I'm going to take the deal and go through with framing Franco for that crime. I can't let him get away with abandoning me like he did. I need to make him suffer for what he did to me."

Rafael was silent for a moment before responding. "Are you sure that's what you want to do, Araceli? It's a big decision, and it could have serious consequences for both you and Franco. Are you sure you want to go through with it?"

Araceli took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "I'm sure, Rafael. I can't let Franco get away with what he did. I need to make him pay for what he did to me. Please, help me with this. I need your support."

Rafael sighed, knowing that there was no talking Araceli out of it. "Alright, Araceli. I'll help you with this. But please, be careful. This is a dangerous game, and we need to be prepared for whatever consequences that comes."

Araceli nodded, grateful for Rafael's support. She was determined to see it through to the end. 

....

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, Araceli was startled by the sound of someone approaching her bedroom. She turned to see Francisco standing by the door, a predatory look in his eyes.

He entered her room without knocking. She parted her lips about to yelp out in anger but then, her eyes trailed his body and on his fingers where spare keys to every part of his mansion dangling.

Without saying a word, Francisco reached for Araceli's waist, pulling her close to him. He pressed his lips to hers, trying to force a kiss on her. Araceli struggled against him, trying to push him away.

But Francisco's grip only tightened, and he continued to kiss her, forcing his way into her mouth. Araceli felt a wave of disgust wash over her, and she fought even harder to break free from his grasp.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Francisco relented, letting her go. Araceli stumbled backwards, gasping for breath. She looked at Francisco with a mixture of fear and anger, her heart racing with disgust and revulsion.

"What are you doing, Francisco? I don't want this. I don't want you. I already said I'm taking the deal so we can call off this engagement."

Francisco's eyes narrowed, and he took a step towards her. "You can try to break off our engagement, Araceli. But you should know that I won't let you go so easily. I will do whatever it takes to make you mine, even if it means using force." 

He scoffed and a mockery smirk appeared on his lips as he said, "I'm certain you will not be able to go through with our deal."

Araceli's heart pounded in her chest as she said, "A deal is a deal Francisco, when I do my part, you have to let me go." 

"If you succeed Araceli." He smiled devishingly. The look in his eyes was suddenly filled with lost, as his hands moved gently on her skin.

Araceli could feel her stomach turning, as being that close and feeling Francisco's hands on her body was disgusting. 

She knew that she had to get away from Francisco before he force himself on her. She turned and ran, leaving Francisco behind as she fled to the living room.