The decision

Several days had passed and Guillermo had finally found some peace amidst the pain and problems he was facing in his company. One of the most serious problems was the partnership he had with his sister-in-law, Natalia, the sister of his late wife.

Half of the company belonged to Natalia due to an inheritance that her parents left her and her sister Isabel before they died. Although in reality, they were three sisters, but the youngest was kidnapped by the woman who cared for her when she was just a baby.

That baby, when she was kidnapped, despite the fact that her parents paid a fortune to detectives investigating where she could be kept, they never found out where she was again. It was as if the earth had swallowed her up. This caused her parents to live in constant pain that was never healed in their hearts.

Since then, only Isabel and Natalia remained, who inherited the Lombardo family fortune in equal parts. However, their parents' will included a clause that clearly stated that, if for some reason the third sister ever appeared, she would be given her share of the inheritance.

As the years went by, that little baby would have grown into a grown woman. When Isabel died, her share of the inheritance went to Guillermo, her husband. However, Natalia, a calculating and selfish woman, had the other half of the fortune and for that reason she felt she had the right to make decisions in the company over Guillermo. Since Isabel's death, Guillermo had been dealing with a constant battle against her.

Natalia also had a dark secret: she had always been in love with Guillermo. However, he chose Isabel and married her. Isabel was unable to give him a biological child, so they turned to a fertility clinic and that's how their little daughter Sofia was born.

(…)

William was a wonderful man, known for his integrity and dedication. He always fulfilled his responsibilities, both in his personal and professional life. He was caring and attentive, showing unconditional love towards Elizabeth, his late wife. Despite challenges and adversities, William always stood firm in his values and principles, prioritizing the well-being of his family above all else. His love for Elizabeth was evident in every gesture and decision, and her memory remained a source of inspiration and strength for him.

That afternoon, while Valeria and Laura were playing in the garden, Guillermo watched them from the window of his office. The sun was beginning to set, dyeing the sky orange and pink tones.

He watched them closely without them noticing, it was the first time in a long time that he felt so happy and calm. The laughter of his daughter and Valeria managed to infect him and he couldn't help but approach them.

“Can I join you?” Guillermo asked, smiling.

—Sure, Dad. Come play with us —Laura replied, she was excited to see her dad smiling.

Valeria smiled and nodded, feeling a strange mix of nervousness and excitement at the same time. As time passed, she realized that Guillermo was not only an attractive man, but also a dedicated and kind-hearted father. Every time she saw him interact with his daughter, her admiration for him grew. However, Valeria didn't expect that someone like Guillermo could arouse such feelings in her. Initially, she was just there to be close to her daughter, but she soon realized that she felt an unusual nervousness whenever she was around him.

For his part, Guillermo was also experiencing inner turmoil. From the first moment he saw Valeria, he felt a special attraction. He wasn't sure if it was because of the resemblance she bore to Isabel or if it was because of Valeria herself, with her charm and warmth. As they spent more time together, Guillermo began to realize that his feelings for Valeria were genuine and deep. He found himself thinking about her more than he should, and every encounter with Valeria made his heart beat faster.

They were both discovering special feelings for each other, though neither of them had planned it. Valeria, who only wanted to be close to her daughter, found herself increasingly drawn to William, while he struggled to understand whether his feelings were an extension of his love for Elizabeth or something entirely new and wonderful.

—Laura told me that you are very good at telling stories, Valeria —said Guillermo, sitting on the grass next to them, with that warm and curious look that characterized him.

—Well, I try to do my best to keep her entertained and have fun — Valeria replied, laughing softly, although feeling a slight blush on her cheeks.

"And what is your favorite story, Laura?" Guillermo asked, looking at his daughter tenderly, his eyes shining with fatherly love.

"I like the one with princesses and castles," Laura said enthusiastically, her beautiful eyes full of excitement.

"That's great, although my favorites were the ones about pirates and swordsmen," said Guillermo, winking at Valeria, eliciting a knowing smile from her.

As the sun set, the three continued to play and laugh together. Valeria couldn't help but feel drawn to Guillermo. There was something about his character, his kindness, and the way he cared for his daughter that made her feel a special connection.

That night, after Laura went to sleep, Guillermo and Valeria stayed in the living room, talking. The conversation flowed naturally, and they both realized that they shared many things in common.

—Valeria, I wanted to thank you again for everything you've done for Laura. It's been a difficult time for us, but since you came to this house, everything has improved —Guillermo said, looking into her eyes, his voice full of sincerity.

—Thank you, Mr. Guillermo. Laura is a wonderful girl, and I am glad I could help — Valeria replied, feeling a warmth in her chest.

"I don't know what we'd do without you," William said, moving a little closer. "But don't call me Mr William anymore, it sounds like I'm an old fashioned man. Call me William."

Valeria felt her heart race. There was something about the way Guillermo looked at her that made her feel special. However, she also knew she had to stay calm and not let her emotions get the better of her.

"I'm here for whatever you need... Guillermo," Valeria said, trying to maintain her composure, although her nervousness at feeling him so close to her was imminent.

Guillermo smiled and nodded, but they both knew there was something more between them, an attraction that grew with each passing day, but they still didn't dare to show it.

As the weeks turned into months, Valeria and Guillermo found themselves spending more time together. The conversations became deeper, and the connection between them grew stronger. Valeria was torn between her feelings for Guillermo and the reason she was in that house.

One night, after Laura went to sleep, Guillermo and Valeria walked to the porch. It was time for Valeria to go home, but Guillermo kept trying to get close to her and didn't want her to leave. So he walked beside Valeria while thinking of a way to tell her what was going on with his feelings for her.

"Valeria, I've been thinking a lot about us," Guillermo said, breaking the silence, his voice full of emotion.

"In us?" Valeria asked, feeling a knot in her stomach as her heart pounded.

—Yes. I can't deny that I feel something very special for you. You are an incredible person, and I don't know what I would do without you in our lives —Guillermo said, taking her hand.—You came at the perfect time and I feel that there must be some reason that made destiny bring you to me.

Valeria felt a surge of emotions. She knew she also had feelings for Guillermo, but in her mind she struggled with the goal that had brought her here. It was a mixture of feelings that she didn't know how to define. But the only thing that was certain in all of this was that something was growing inside her towards Guillermo.

—Guillermo, I… I also have special feelings for you. But… but there are things you don't know about me —said Valeria, her voice shaking.

—It doesn't matter what it is, Valeria. I'm here for you, and I want you to know that you can trust me —Guillermo said, looking into her eyes.

Valeria felt a mix of relief and fear. She knew she would have to reveal her truth at some point, but for now, she decided to enjoy the moment and the connection they shared.

Guillermo couldn't hold back his desire to kiss her and without thinking twice, he approached her, touching her lips tenderly. She was nervous, she couldn't help but feel a trembling in her legs, it was obvious that she was falling in love with Guillermo.

They both kissed, sealing at that moment the beginning of a special feeling that could lead them to glory or to a nightmare when he found out the truth.

The days continued to pass and the relationship between Valeria and Guillermo became closer. Laura was happier than ever, and the Martinez house was beginning to feel like a real home for Valeria.

She never imagined that when she entered that house looking for her daughter, she would find the love of her life. The connection was getting deeper and deeper, although they had not yet become intimate. But, one night, after a quiet dinner, Guillermo made an important decision that took Valeria by surprise.

—Valeria, I've been thinking... —said Guillermo, as he took a sip of coffee. —It's an idea that's been going around in my head and I don't know how you're going to take it.

"Yes?" Valeria replied curiously. "And what will it be?"

—Laura and I need you here in our house.

—But I am here with you always. I don't understand what you mean.

—Yes, I know, you come and go every day and that's wonderful, but I don't want you to be present just during the day, but all the time. I want you to stay and live with us —said Guillermo, looking at her seriously.

Valeria felt a surge of emotions. Guillermo's proposal was tempting, but she also knew that it would further complicate her feelings and she was afraid of suffering. She was in love with Guillermo, and there was no turning back now, she had him anchored in her heart in the same way she had her daughter Laura.

—Guillermo, I don't know what to say… —said Valeria, trying to process the situation.

—You don't have to decide right now. I just want you to know that you are part of our family and that we want you here with us. —Guillermo said, taking her hand while looking into her eyes, about to kiss her.

Valeria nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and confusion. She knew she would have to make a decision soon, but for now, she decided to enjoy the moment and let him kiss her, feeling that kiss make her shiver all over. But she had to think the situation through very carefully, she didn't want to tell Guillermo yet, until she was sure of the step she was going to take.

(…)