Both Guillermo and Valeria experienced a growing sense of anxiety as they awaited the conclusion of the will reading by the lawyer. The expectation in the room was palpable, and the atmosphere was charged with tension. Valeria shifted restlessly in her chair, her fingers playing with the hem of her blouse, while Guillermo, his gaze fixed on the lawyer, tried to conceal his nervousness.The lawyer, a middle-aged man with glasses and a serious demeanor, meticulously reviewed the documents. Sunlight filtered through the window, illuminating the room, but the atmosphere felt somber. Valeria, her heart racing, reflected on the implications the will would have on her life and that of her daughter, Laura.“I hope it’s nothing drastic,” Valeria murmured, almost inaudibly.Guillermo glanced at her, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. He was aware that Isabel's last will could alter the course of their lives.Finally, the lawyer looked up from the papers and announced, in a clear and firm voice,
The time stipulated by the lawyer had passed. Valeria had not communicated her decision to Guillermo, and the day had come when the lawyer showed up at the mansion looking for an answer.“Good afternoon to both of you. I hope you have reached an agreement regarding Mrs. Isabel's clause,” he asked seriously, keeping his gaze fixed on them.Valeria and Guillermo exchanged glances. Like the lawyer, Guillermo didn’t know what Valeria’s decision would be and felt a growing anxiety. Throughout the week, their coexistence had been distant and cold; they only communicated in the presence of little Laura, making an effort to hide their differences.“My decision has been made since the moment you read the will. I have no objection to accepting the clause that Isabel left,” Guillermo declared firmly. “Now we just need to know Valeria’s decision, which also intrigues me.”Valeria, with sweaty hands and trembling legs, knew her decision had already been made, although she feared the possible conse
Days had passed, and the rapprochement between Valeria and Guillermo was imminent. There was definitely no doubt that Laura had played a very important role between the two, as she made Valeria get closer to Guillermo. Christmas was approaching, one of the most important and favorite dates for Laura. The little girl had been eagerly waiting for the weekend, when Valeria had promised her they would decorate the mansion with Christmas ornaments. Saturday arrived, and both were in the bright living room, surrounded by boxes full of ornaments. Laurita, with her contagious energy, looked at her mother with excitement. “Mommy, where do you want us to put the tree?” she asked, with a radiant smile. “I think near the fireplace,” Valeria replied, feeling the warmth of the idea. “That way Santa Claus can leave the gifts right there because he comes down the chimney, right, love?” “Yes!” Laurita exclaimed, her eyes shining with innocence. “That’s perfect!” They began to take ornaments out
The next morning arrived with a fresh and vibrant air, typical of the Christmas festivities. Valeria woke up embraced by Guillermo, feeling the warmth of his body and the serene beating of his heart. However, the unease from the anonymous call the night before continued to linger in her mind. “Who could have made that call?” she thought as she got out of bed with the intention of preparing a special breakfast for Guillermo and Laurita, trying to drown her worries in the routine.Meanwhile, Guillermo woke up with a smile, remembering the magical night they had shared. He stretched and got up, determined to make that day memorable. He headed to the kitchen, where he found Valeria making pancakes.“Good morning, chef!” he said, approaching her and hugging her around the waist.“Good morning, love!” Valeria replied, smiling, but her gaze revealed a shadow of worry. “I can’t let this affect me today,” she thought.Guillermo noticed the change in her expression.“Is everything okay?” he ask
When Guillermo opened the door, his expression turned serious upon recognizing Tania.“¡Tania! What are you doing here?” he asked, trying to maintain a neutral tone.“Hello, Guillermo,” she replied, offering a smile that did not reflect sincerity. “I didn’t think my presence would make you so nervous.”Guillermo felt a knot in his stomach. He was aware that Tania represented a complicated chapter of his past, one he had tried to leave behind.“I asked you a question,” Tania continued, adopting a firm posture. “What are you doing here?”“I came because I have something serious to discuss with you,” he said, his tone becoming more grave.“Talk? You and I have nothing to discuss. I think you’ve done enough with the manipulation you orchestrated to separate me from Valeria, but you didn’t get your way.”“What happened between us wasn’t manipulation; you made me yours, and you enjoyed it.”“That’s a lie! I don’t remember anything. It’s all been a ruse to separate me from Valeria, and that
Guillermo crouched down next to Tania, taking her pulse while trying to remain calm. "What’s wrong with you?" he murmured, worried. Tania, still pretending to be unconscious, presented herself to him as a fragile and defenseless figure, a stark contrast to the defiant woman who had stood before him moments earlier. As he held her, his mind filled with confusion. "Is it possible that she’s really pregnant?" he pondered, feeling a mix of anguish and responsibility. The idea of a child potentially on the way tormented him. Suddenly, Tania opened her eyes, blinking slowly. Guillermo felt an immediate sense of relief, though unease lingered. "What happened?" she asked, in a weak voice, trying to maintain her masterful act. "You fainted suddenly. I think you need to rest, Tania." She slowly sat up, rubbing her head. "I'm sorry... I don't know what happened. I just feel so overwhelmed," she replied, her tone trembling. Guillermo watched her, trying to discern whether her reaction was
Guillermo observed Valeria with an expression of anguish, aware that the words he was about to say could have significant consequences.“Valeria... darling, it’s just that... Tania is here, but I don’t want you to worry. I’m trying to manage the situation,” he replied, striving to sound convincing.Valeria frowned, feeling a chill run down her spine; the nightmare seemed to be returning to her life. Her gaze hardened.“Manage the situation? How can you say that? She represents a threat to us! Don’t you realize?” she exclaimed, feeling anger beginning to bubble up inside her.“I know, but...” Guillermo hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “She claims to be pregnant, and I need to verify if it’s true. I can’t ignore something as important as the possibility of a child.”Valeria stood frozen, her eyes widening in disbelief.“Pregnant? By you? Ha! Don’t make me laugh,” her voice trembled between disbelief and pain. “And how can you be sure that the child she is expecting
Guillermo, visibly upset with Valeria, asked, “Are you expecting someone?”“No, but maybe you should open the door; it could be one of your lovers,” Valeria replied disdainfully. Guillermo chose to ignore the comment, not wanting to prolong the argument. When he opened the door, he was surprised and quickly looked at Valeria.“The visitor is for you. It’s your ex-fiancé, Javier. So, why don’t you go greet him?” he said, with a tone heavy with sarcasm and jealousy. Valeria, stunned, couldn’t understand why Javier was there after so long.“What are you doing here, Javier?” Valeria asked, her face paling.“Hi, Valeria. I see you weren’t expecting me. I just stopped by to say hello, but if I’m bothering you…”Frustrated by Tania’s presence in the mansion, Valeria decided to respond to Javier to unsettle Guillermo: “No, of course you’re not bothering me. You just took me by surprise, but please, come in. I have the right to receive my friends too.”Consumed by jealousy, Guillermo couldn’t