A dark secret

That night, Natalia settled into the guest room full of courage, wishing for the room Valeria occupied so she could be close to Guillermo. Dinner was served in the mansion's elegant dining room, a spacious room with soft cream-colored walls decorated with artwork and a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling, illuminating the polished mahogany table.

The table was elegantly set, with a crisp white tablecloth and silver candlesticks. Fine china plates were carefully arranged, and the aroma of food filled the air.

Valeria, Guillermo, and Natalia sat at the table, with Laura taking her usual place next to Valeria. During dinner, conversation was light, although the tension between Valeria and Natalia was palpable. Valeria tried to remain calm, but she couldn't help but feel uncomfortable under Natalia's scrutinizing gaze.

After dinner, Natalia turned to Guillermo with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

—Guillermo, can we talk alone? I have something important to tell you —he said, casting a meaningful glance at Valeria.

Valeria got up from the table, trying to hide her annoyance.

—Sure, I'll... I'll go take Laura to her room so they can talk comfortably. —she said uncomfortably, and left the dining room.

Guillermo and Natalia were left alone. He looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and distrust. He knew her very well and suspected that she was up to something.

“What do you want to talk about, Natalia?” he asked, crossing his arms.

Natalia approached him, her expression showing concern.

—Guillermo, I don't think you need a babysitter for Laura. I'm here now, and I can take care of her without any problem —she said, trying to sound convincing.

Guillermo frowned, clearly annoyed by the insinuation.

—Natalia, I decide what is best for my daughter, and I think Valeria has been a good influence on Laurita. She has been a motherly figure for my daughter, ever since Isabel… —he bit his lip, it was hard for him to talk about his late wife, it still caused him a lot of pain to mention her—. Anyway, Valeria has brought a smile to Laurita's face and that is enough for me.

Natalia crossed her arms, looking at him with a mix of defiance and curiosity.

"So it's true?" he asked firmly.

-What are you talking about?

—Well, I'm not stupid, my dear brother-in-law. It's more than obvious that you're attracted to the nanny. Is it because of her resemblance to my sister Isabel?

Guillermo looked at her with a frown, feeling cornered by Natalia.

—And if so, what? —Natalia raised her eyebrows, making an expression of astonishment.

—So it's a fact that you like this woman? But you've only just met her! As far as I understand, she's only been working in this house for a few months and you already have her living here. It's absurd!

—Do you think it's absurd that I want to rebuild my life? Do you think it's absurd that I don't want to continue drowning in pain with the memory of Isabel? It's my life! And I can do with it what I want.

Natalia clenched her fists, trying to contain herself, then faced him:

—Yes, you're right, Guillermo, it's your life, but Laura is my niece and I also have the right to look after her well-being. Even though she doesn't have my sister's blood.

—Laura is happy with Valeria's presence, and I... I... feel much more at ease with her presence at home. And that's why I invited her to stay here, so she could be closer to Laurita.

—And close to you too. But, have you already told Valeria how my sister died?

Guillermo stared into her eyes, giving her a withering look that made Natalia shudder. He didn't think it was a good idea to tell her that he already had a relationship with Valeria.

—Why do you have to bring up Isabel's death? Don't you think I feel guilty enough without you coming here to rub salt in the wound?

—Well, I think that if you intend to continue with your life, the most logical thing is that the woman you are with knows the truth about how my sister died. Don't you think so, brother-in-law?

Natalia remained silent, watching as Guillermo walked away, leaving the conversation unfinished.

Guillermo went up the stairs and walked down the huge hallway that led to the rooms. The argument with Natalia had made him very depressed. He stopped in front of Valeria's bedroom door. He intended to knock, but when he remembered the conversation with Natalia, he changed his mind. He didn't feel ready to talk to her at that moment, so he decided to continue towards his room.

Suddenly, Valeria opened the door, feeling his presence on the other side. Seeing him, she smiled at him with her captivating smile:

—Guillermo, darling! —She approached to kiss him, but Guillermo stopped her, leaving Valeria completely shocked by his attitude.

—What's wrong, William? Why are you acting so distant? Did I do something wrong?

Guillermo put his hands on his head, visibly distressed. Natalia's visit had tormented him.

—No! It's not about you, Valeria. It's just that... I don't feel well. I think I'd better go get some rest.

Before he could leave, Valeria, worried about his attitude, took him by the arm:

—Wait, William! Please don't leave me like this, in this anguish. I don't understand what's happening to you. Last night we were together for the first time and you were happy to have me by your side, and now you act as if you want to avoid me. Does this have to do with your sister-in-law's visit?

Guillermo looked into her eyes, showing deep pain and desperation for not being able to share the secret that tormented him.

—Valeria, I think I was hasty with our situation. I should have thought more about Laurita. Sorry, but I'm a little confused.

Valeria paled, feeling a chill run through her body.

“What? What are you saying?” A tear ran down her face. She couldn’t believe that after giving him her heart, he would say it was a mistake.

—So it was all a lie? Oh my God! How could you do something like that to me?

The situation was getting tense. For Valeria, it was a very low blow. Guillermo felt helpless, not knowing how to tell her that he really loved her, but that a dark secret forced him to stay away from her. Valeria wiped away her tears, hurt, but she couldn't quit her job, mainly because of her daughter Laura. She was afraid that Guillermo would decide to throw her out of the mansion, so she gathered her courage and faced him:

—That means you want me to leave the mansion, doesn't it?

—No! Of course not, Valeria. I don't want you to leave the mansion. On the contrary, I want you to stay and take care of Laurita. She wouldn't stand for you to leave her, she's used to your company, and she needs you more than ever,

Valeria breathed a sigh of relief. At that moment, what mattered most to her, above her feelings for Guillermo, was her daughter Laurita.

—Very well, Mr. Guillermo —she said distantly— Don't worry, from now on I will only dedicate myself to taking care of Laurita. And as for us, don't worry, I know perfectly well what my place is in this house. Have a good night. —She closed the door loudly, leaving Guillermo totally hurt.

He felt helpless when he saw that, when he had finally found some peace after the death of his wife Isabel, the past insisted on coming back to remind him of the horrible secret that was sealed in his mind.

(…)