When I arrive at the mansion, I say goodbye to Verónica and step out of the car. I watch her vehicle make a U-turn and disappear from sight. I sigh before entering, wishing with all my heart not to run into Alexander. But, as if fate were determined to defy me, the first thing I see as I cross the threshold is Alexander having dinner in the dining room with Arlette. I roll my eyes in frustration and hurry toward the stairs, but his voice stops me.

"Little sister, I'm so glad you're back. Come have dinner with us—Mary has prepared delicious lobster," he says with fake kindness.

I suppress a grimace and respond immediately:

"No, thanks. Enjoy."

Without waiting for a reply, I finish climbing the stairs and slam my bedroom door shut, locking it behind me. The audacity of those bastards knows no bounds. Not even in this house can I find a moment of peace.

Alexander owns several mansions—he could easily go stay in one of them instead of staying here just to torment me. With that thought in mind, I enter the bathroom and take a shower, letting the hot water relax my body. But my peace is abruptly shattered when loud moans coming from the adjacent room catch my attention. My blood runs cold.

I recognize the voice immediately. Arlette.

And I know exactly why she’s doing it. She wants me to hear her, to know she’s with Alexander.

"Yes, Alexander, harder!" her overly loud voice cuts through the walls.

With a lump in my throat, I cover my ears with both hands. Thirty minutes later, the noise finally stops. But the damage is already done. A solitary tear slides down my cheek before my legs give out and I collapse to the floor.

Alexander was a bastard.

And I would never forgive him.

---

The first rays of sunlight wake me. I get up heavily and head to the bathroom. When I look at myself in the mirror, a chill runs through me: my skin looks pale and dark circles surround my eyes. I pity myself.

I wish I had never met him. I wish I had never loved him. I wish I had never been born… so I wouldn’t have to endure this pain.

After a quick shower, I throw on the first clothes I find and head downstairs. The moment I step into the dining room, Alexander enters my line of sight. So handsome, so untouchable, so cruel.

I sit in the chair farthest from him, ignoring him completely, but I’m surprised when he’s the one who breaks the silence.

"Good thing you woke up early. Get ready—we’re going to visit my mother today. She’s been asking about you," he says coldly.

"Umm…" I respond flatly.

"Fine. We’ll leave in a few minutes."

"Mmm…" I reply in the same curt tone.

Alexander slams his fork down with a loud clatter and glares at me.

"What, are you mute today? You haven’t said a word to me."

I stand up abruptly and walk over to him, glaring.

"Believe me, Alexander, you don’t even deserve for me to speak to you. I wish I never had to say another word to you again."

I watch his brow furrow as he processes my words, but I don’t stop. I go up to my room, trying to calm the rage burning in my chest. Once I feel a bit more composed, I grab my purse and head downstairs. Alexander is already waiting at the door. I walk past him without looking at him, get into the car, and settle into the passenger seat.

His disapproving growl comes almost instantly.

"Drive," he orders the driver, his voice laced with irritation.

---

An hour later, we arrive at the Líbano residence, where his mother lives. As I step out of the car, Alexander takes my hand, but I swat it away.

"What do you think you're doing?" I snap, frowning.

"We have to act like a happy couple in front of my mother. Trust me, I have no desire to touch you either," he responds cruelly.

His comment is like a dagger to the chest. I feel a lump in my throat, but I won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I force myself to hold back the tears and enter the mansion holding his hand, pretending to have a bond that doesn’t exist.

The butler leads us to Mrs. Líbano’s room. Seeing her connected to all those tubes, my heart aches.

For as long as I can remember, she’s been the only person—besides Verónica—who has shown me affection. She’s been like the mother I never had.

I let go of Alexander’s hand and approach the bed, sitting beside her. I take her hand gently, and her tired eyes open, lighting up with a warm smile.

"Darling, you’re finally here. I’ve been wanting to see you."

"I’m here, Mrs. Zara. How are you feeling?" I ask sweetly, softly stroking her hands.

"My dear, as you can see, I’m on my way out of this world… The only thing that makes me happy is knowing you and Alexander are happy," she whispers with a serene smile.

Tears well up in my eyes.

"Don’t say that, ma’am… You’ll live many more years."

She shakes her head softly.

"Don’t cry, dear. It’s inevitable. But tell me… are you happy?"

Her question paralyzes me.

I lie without hesitation.

"Yes… I’m the happiest woman in the world."

I look at Alexander as I say it, and he immediately averts his gaze.

At that moment, a nurse enters with a tray of medication, interrupting our conversation.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Líbano, it’s time for your medication," she announces respectfully.

I rise reluctantly.

"Ma’am, I have to go, but I’ll come visit more often."

She nods with a weak smile, and I say goodbye, feeling a tight knot in my throat.

As I leave the room, I find Alexander in the hallway, but I ignore him and walk straight toward the exit. I get in the car, once again in the passenger seat.

A few seconds later, the vehicle starts moving.

---

Back at the mansion, I quickly get out of the car, but before I can go inside, a strong hand grabs my arm and spins me around roughly until I collide with his chest.

"How long are you going to keep treating me like this, Aslin?" he asks in a low, dangerous voice, his gaze burning.

"How long? Do you seriously have the nerve to ask me that?" I snap furiously. "I’ll say this once, Alexander: stay the hell away from me for as long as I’m in this damn mansion."

I break free from his grip and walk inside without looking back.

---

In my room, the sound of my phone pulls me from my thoughts. Seeing Verónica’s name on the screen, I answer immediately.

"Sweetie, I have great news. Erick said you can come to his office tomorrow. Bring all your documents."

A choked squeal of excitement escapes my lips.

"Thank you, Vero! I’ll be there first thing tomorrow. I hope I get the job."

"I’m sure you will. Let me know how it goes."

I hang up and rush to my closet. Tomorrow, I had to look impeccable. I just knew everything would turn out fine.