I leave Alexander’s study, slamming the door behind me. I turn down the hallway until I reach my bedroom door. Quickly, I grab the handle and open it, seeing that everything was still the same. However, something catches my attention: my clothes are gone. Not a single garment remained in the closet, not even my designs.I search desperately through every drawer because they were the only things that really mattered to me.A few minutes later, I see Mary enter through the door with teary eyes. She approaches me and gives me a tight hug.“Ma’am, you’ve finally returned. I’m so sorry for what happened… I know you’re not to blame for anything. I don’t understand how they could accuse you — you would never do something so horrible,” she says with a trembling voice and tears in her eyes.We break the hug, and I give her a small smile.“I really appreciate that you trust me, Mary. Truly, thank you.”She looks around the room with a frown.“I’m so sorry, ma’am, but Miss Arlette came a few day

I open my eyes and blink several times, discomforted by the light. I notice I have oxygen on and an IV in my hand, and above all, the stabbing pain still lingering in my stomach.I’m still alive, I tell myself in my mind. The last thing I remember is lying in the mausoleum, in a pool of blood, while Alexander was coming toward me and crying intensely. Was it a dream? I ask myself, exasperated. Alexander crying for me... I couldn’t believe it, though it seemed so real.Suddenly, I hear the creak of the door opening and see Alexander standing before me, as imposing and cold as ever. Now I had no doubt that everything had just been a product of my imagination.“How are you feeling?” he asks, without a trace of concern in his expression. I only turn my face away and remain in complete silence. He was about to say more until the doctor walks in. Alexander greets the physician politely.“Well then, what is it that my wife had?” he asks with an imposing tone.The doctor takes out his portfol

No, please let me go, please I beg you — I pleaded with the man, but he didn’t pay any attention to me. I tried to get up from the bed and go to the door; I pounded the walls trying to find that damned door with no success. Seeing me act so ridiculous, the man burst into laughter again.— Palomita, you look so adorable trying to find the door, but I must tell you that you’re mistaken — he says as he takes long strides toward me — come on, don’t resist; the night is long, we’ll have fun, I’ll make you feel like you’re in heaven tonight — he tells me sensually.I feel him take my arm again and slam me onto the bed. I try to resist but his burly body prevents me. Unexpectedly, he rips my dress off with his strong hands, leaving me in my underwear. He inspects me from head to toe with his gaze. — Without a doubt you’re delicious, I’m going to enjoy every part of your body tonight, pretty Palomita — he says as he brings his face close to mine — you look so much like her, that’s why I’m goi

I opened my eyes and noticed it was already daytime. I got up and went to the bathroom, staring at my deteriorated appearance. I had huge dark circles from crying, and my face was completely pale. I also realized I had lost a lot of weight; I guess my illness was slowly consuming me.I brushed my teeth quickly and took a shower. I got dressed, went downstairs, and immediately, the memories of the previous night flooded my mind. The huge bloodstain on the floor had disappeared; the maids had done an impeccable job cleaning, leaving no trace of the tragedy that had taken place.I walked to the dining room and noticed breakfast was elegantly served. I sat down to eat, without much enthusiasm. When I finished, I tried to stand up, but a commotion coming from outside caught my attention.—Ma’am, wait, you can’t go in like that. Mr. Líbano ordered me not to let anyone enter in his absence— I heard one of the guards say.—Get out of my way, you idiot! Don’t you know who I am? How dare you de

In an imposing and luxurious chalet on top of a mountain, a man stood before a mirror while about ten servants helped him put on his three-piece suit.—Mr. Carttal, we’ve found the mysterious lady from that night at the Nocturnal Enchantment. And I must say… it’s worse than you could’ve imagined —his assistant said.The man in the mirror immediately frowned.—What do you mean by that? —he asked, stopping the servants’ movements.—Sir… that young lady is Mr. Alexander Líbano’s wife —the assistant replied, nervously adjusting his glasses.—What did you say? —Carttal asked, incredulous—. The wife of our new partner?—That’s right, sir. In fact, I looked into it further. I discovered that since childhood, she was trained to become the young lady of the Líbano family. But apparently, that marriage is nothing but a façade, since Mrs. Aslin’s younger sister is Mr. Alexander’s real partner —the assistant carefully explained.Carttal burst out laughing.—I really can’t believe it… And I suppos