What would you think if I told you that my story begins with me waking up in a stranger's bed?

That's right, I'm not a promiscuous person or anything like that. On the contrary, I'm a woman who respects her body. To my genuine surprise, I have no idea how I ended up in that place.

My name is Gabriela Saenz. I'm 20 years old, just a normal girl from the Big Apple. I have big brown eyes, but I'm only 1.60 meters tall. Yeah, I know, I'm a bit short, but I have nice curves. I love art; it's something that my father considers a waste of time, but it's what makes me happy. For him, I should be locked away with numbers and accounts. My family is somewhat dysfunctional. There's my stepmother, Clara, who used to be my mom's best friend, and then there's my half-sister, Irina—an absolute headache. She's a superficial, spoiled, and truly foolish person. Clara says she fell in love with dad after my mother's death. I know it was hard for all of us to deal with, and Clara started coming over to our house every day. I don't know when she ended up living with us. Whenever I confront them about it, they always tell me it just happened. And as if that wasn't enough, they brought that tiny mistake named Irina into our lives. Even her name sounds irritating.

I don't know how it's possible for dad to be so aware of Clara when all she does is spend money as if she were the one working for it. She only finished her studies because Clara gave a large sum of money to the rector to pass her, and now that we're in the same university, it's going to be chaotic. It doesn't surprise me that the dean ends up earning extra money just so that girl doesn't fail a subject, but she doesn't know how tough her career is. She enrolled in administration just to please dad, hoping to become the CEO of Saenz companies. Hahaha.

On the other hand, there's Ethan, my boyfriend since childhood. We're great friends and have wonderful moments together. We go to the same university. Like Irina, he's studying administration because his father is an important businessman, and being the only child, he's the heir to all his fortune. The truth is, we've been engaged since childhood. It's kind of like our parents are friends and made the decision for us. The good thing is that we have chemistry, otherwise, this relationship would be a disaster. Ethan takes good care of me and ensures that I eat something. When I'm painting, I get so focused on my artwork that I tend to skip meals. Our relationship with Ethan is based on complete trust because, as the heir, he demands that I spend a lot of time with his father.

I have good friends. We go shopping, although not often. Mom left me a share of the company's stocks. I don't want to squander the money. I want to make her proud of me, even though she's no longer here. I won't deny it, I miss her a lot, but she lives on through each of my artworks. My passion for art started with mom and the memories of painting together in the garden, with paint stains and our overalls that were equally colorful. Those were beautiful days before she got sick, but I try to remember her always cheerful and beautiful.

My father is a different story. I love him with all my heart, but one thing I can't accept is that he married Clara. They share the same room as they did with mom, and I know that their sudden love story isn't true, but there's nothing I can do about it. We're a beautiful family, at least in the eyes of the cheap tabloids that have us pose every time we attend a gathering. Clara makes sure we're seen as the most beautiful family.

But as life is about changes, mine is about to undergo several, dragging many along with me.

I slowly open my eyes and feel a terrible headache. I had never drunk so much before. Memories from yesterday come rushing into my mind.

I left my house for the university. This time, I left earlier because my dad wasn't home and I can't stand being with Doña Clara. I grab my things but remember that I'm missing something.

Today, I decided not to drive because I needed to stop by Ethan's apartment. He would give me a ride to the university and bring me back home. My phone had low battery since we had been talking with the girls all night, but I didn't pay much attention. I would charge it later when I got back. Today was going to be a long day in art class.

After a few minutes, the taxi stops at the entrance of Ethan's apartment complex. I pay and get out. I have no trouble entering since I come here very often. They don't need to notify me, and I have the keys.

Ethan and I agreed on this arrangement. Sometimes I stay with him because it's closer to the university and it helps us learn to live together. We only have two more months to go before our families' agreement is fulfilled and our marriage takes place.

It wasn't difficult for us to adapt to this idea. We grew up together, our parents decided when we were little that we would share spaces. We've spent almost our entire lives together. It may be boring for some people, but we've learned to live with it.

We took a break in our adolescence to have other relationships. We've always been good friends, having spaces to tell each other about our experiences with our partners. Truthfully, I've only been in one other relationship. It didn't work out; the guy only wanted to sleep with me, and when I refused several times, he tried to force himself on me. It was then that I realized my parents had made the best decision for me. Ethan would always take care of me and protect me. Or at least, that's what I thought. It took Ethan a little longer to end those relationships, but it was for the best. He knew that from the moment our engagement was announced, we promised each other loyalty.

As soon as I opened the door, I heard voices. There were clothes scattered all over the apartment from the entrance. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest. Although I imagined what was happening, I continued denying that he would do this to me. Along with the men's clothes, which I assume are Ethan's, there were some that I recognized and refused to believe.

As I got closer, I could recognize their voices. It was them.

"How much longer are you going to continue with this charade? Why don't you just tell her the truth, that you love me as much as I love you?" Irina said.

"It's not that easy," Ethan replied.

"And what about our baby? He will be born and grow up without his father, while you play happy family with her?" Irina continued.

"You know it takes time. You know I love you, and it's for both of you that I'm doing all this. We need your sister's inheritance. You know it doesn't belong to you, and if our parents find out before we can secure it, they might disinherit me. How would we survive then? Give me some time. I'll tell Gabi today that we should move things forward and she'll accept it," Ethan explained.

"Do you think she'll fall for it that easily? You know, as much as I hate to admit it, she's very smart," Irina stated.

"But she's in love, and as long as she feels that way, I have her trust. Once we get married, I'll have her sign a power of attorney. She doesn't like dealing with numbers, administration, and who better than her husband to take care of her shares? Just be patient, my precious. I love you. I love both of you," Ethan reassured.

Gabriela

I don't know when I stopped breathing, how they could do this to me, my fiance and my half-sister together, and she's pregnant. I needed to get out of there, they had to pay for all of this. If I caused a scene, they would try to make me look bad or say that I want to break the engagement. It wouldn't be surprising if Clara knew about this. How long have they been doing this to me?

I took a taxi back home, not feeling up to anything. I wanted to sleep and let this sadness take over me. Inside the taxi, I allowed myself to release all the anger I had inside. I just wanted them both to pay for what they did to me, and I swear on my mother that they will. They wanted my actions, we'll see.

As I cried, my friend Daniela called me. She didn't even give me time to speak, she was so excited and invited me to Eros at 9:00 PM. She just gave me the information and hung up.

And who would have thought that this is where my story begins, an event that will change my life for better or for worse. Only life and time will tell.

After crying almost all day, pitying myself, and receiving several messages from my beloved but deceitful fiance Etha pretending to be concerned about me, I made the decision to go out. I wanted to deceive him and make him feel the same way I'm feeling right now. Although he doesn't love me, it will hurt his pride as a man to know that someone else was the first to touch my body and that society will consider him a cuckold.

With that in mind, I prepared myself by taking a shower and getting ready. I wasn't someone who went out often, so to avoid raising any suspicion, I replied to his bitter message telling him that I was feeling unwell and that he shouldn't come because he could catch something. He ended his response message with an "I love you" as fake as he is.

I imagine he's still with that idiot Irina, as I haven't heard from her all day. I decided to keep it simple. I would change clothes at the nightclub or in the taxi. I desperately wanted this to hurt twice as much, so I entered Irina's room and stole one of her beautiful short dresses. I wanted her to see that I can have something of hers too. This pretending to get along has gone too far.

I wanted to be the center of attention tonight, but I never imagined all the things this desire for revenge could bring me.

When I arrived at Eros, I didn't have to wait in line since I was Daniela's guest, and the place belonged to her brother. It was amazing, the place was packed, and the music playing was really good. I started looking for Daniela, and when I finally found her, she was dancing with a truly handsome man with gray eyes and black hair. He would tower over me if I wasn't wearing heels. When the song ended, I approached her without paying much attention to that man. I didn't want her to think I was crazy or something.

The atmosphere was great. Our table was never short of drinks. I never thought I had such a high tolerance for alcohol, but here I am, feeling fine after a few good shots of whiskey. Yes, I said whiskey. I wanted to forget everything about this bitter day.

"Friend, I'm going to the bathroom," Gabriela said.

"Don't take too long, it's awesome here," Daniela replied.

Gabriela headed towards the bathroom. As she was about to enter, she bumped into a girl wearing the same dress. The girl seemed rushed, repeating on the phone that she had been discovered. Gabriela paid no attention to it, touched up her makeup, and returned to the table, realizing that Daniela was not there. She waited for another ten minutes, and since her only companion was still missing, she decided to leave. Unluckily for her, she hadn't planned on taking her car because she was going to drink. While this night didn't go as planned, it helped boost her self-esteem. She would figure out what to do tomorrow.

She left Eros in search of a taxi to take her home. At this point, she no longer cared about what her father would think if he saw her dressed like that and intoxicated.

The streets were packed with people, so she could walk without fearing anything happening. She had walked a block and still no sign of a taxi. She thought about turning back and waiting near the club, but a van appeared out of nowhere, and a madman was furious with her.

"Demon: So, you thought you could drug me and get away with it, right?"

"Are you talking to me, sir?" Gabriela replied, scared.

"Demon: don't play innocent, you're beautiful, but that doesn't mean that if you do it, you won't have to pay for it," Demon replied agitatedly.

"Sir, you don't seem alright, but I don't know you. I think you mistook me for someone else. My name is Gabriela Saenz. Who are you looking for?" Gabriela said.

"Damn it, don't play innocent with me. I've dealt with many goody-goodies like you in my life," Demon said.

"Sir, I repeat, I don't know you, and if I'm here, it's because I need a taxi," Gabriela said, more frightened as she didn't know what was happening. The man inside the van looked at her as if he wanted to kill her or devour her. She couldn't decipher that look, but he was sweating, and she was starting to worry about the situation.

"Well, if you're not going to cooperate, we both are going to be drugged. You thought you could kill me, but let me inform you, rookie, this only serves one purpose, and you'll find out soon enough. Cerberus, please do the honors," Demon said.

"A bad day to wear her sister's clothes and shoes, as she wasn't used to wearing heels. Consequently, she couldn't run very far. She didn't know what that guy desired, but she was sure it wasn't anything good. She managed to get a few meters away from the car when she felt a needle piercing her neck. A sharp scream escaped her throat, but it was too late. The substance was in her body, and it would gradually take effect," the text narrated.

"Demon: bring her, Cerberus. We're going to make her pay for all this inconvenience, and maybe, if you behave, it will only be me, and you can go back home after you tell me who sent you," Demon said.

"How the hell do I tell him that I have no idea what he's talking about, sir?" Gabriela thought as her clothes began to burn her skin. She felt really hot, a strange sensation invaded her body as if she no longer had control. She tried several times to get out of the car she had been forced into, but with each movement, her groin throbbed, and small sounds came out of her mouth.

The situation was tense. I needed to leave that place, but I knew I couldn't take two steps without my body resisting to let go.

Demos watched as the woman beside him emitted small sounds that didn't help her condition, but rather worsened it. His mansion was far away. What was he thinking when he ordered to drug that girl? Every time she made a sound, he wanted to go mad.

"I can't take it anymore. Cerberus, turn around to the nearest dock immediately."

"Why did I come to this place, sir? Protect me!" Gabriela begged, still feverish.