༺Narrates: Alejandro༻

I was here, in front of the hotel, where my fiancee was said to be. The sun shone brightly, but not as brightly as my determination. Oliver, my trusted bodyguard, pushed me in my wheelchair.

"Mr. Williams, this is it," he commented in his deep, professional voice.

"Okay, let's go in," I replied, showing or reflecting no emotion on my face. My mind was invaded by the disturbing suspicion that had brought me to this place. Giselle, my fiancee, might be unfaithful. I felt no love for her; our union was more an agreement between two families than a romantic bond. However, the idea of ​​betrayal, even in a bond based on convenience, was something I was not willing to accept. Disloyalty was an offense that consumed me from within, and the possibility of her cheating on me felt like a poison seeping into my mind.

Oliver handed me the hotel card, which was an electronic key capable of opening the door to our room. I took it from his hands and carefully slid it through the reader next to the door. With a soft click, it unlocked and opened. Oliver, with a kind gesture, pushed my chair inside, inviting me in. Upon crossing the threshold, the silence of the hallway faded, giving way to the muffled and welcoming sounds of the room.

Upon crossing the door, the image that appeared before me only ratified what I had previously sensed. Giselle was in bed, immersed in an act of intimacy with her lover, totally unaware of our arrival. They didn't realize we were there until I broke the silence.

"Looks like you're having a lot of fun, Giselle," I commented in a cold, distant tone of voice.

She instantly broke the closeness with her lover, her face turned pale, reflecting the surprise and shock she felt at that moment.

"What are you doing here?" she inquired, visibly nervous, trying to cover her body with a sheet as if that could hide the situation.

"It's not what it looks like, Alejandro. Things are not as they seem," she stammered, but each of her words seemed completely empty and meaningless to me.

The most disturbing thing of all was that the man next to her was Frederick, my half-brother. The feeling of betrayal multiplied, turning that moment into an even more intense agony.

"I don't need you to give me explanations," I replied, letting my voice freeze in the air, as icy as ice. "I've already seen what I needed to see. That was the only truth I needed to know."

Giselle got up quickly, trying to cover her body with the sheet that she dragged to her chest, and knelt down so that she was at my eye level.

"Please don't do it. I beg you, forgive me. I made a mistake. Frederick seduced me," she said, her voice trembling and full of pleading.

Frederick, who was standing to one side, gave a mocking smile and said disdainfully.

"I didn't force you to do anything."

"Shut up!" Giselle exclaimed, with a mixture of desperation and anguish in her voice. "Alejandro, please, my love, forgive me. I promise it won't happen again. It was just a moment of weakness."

I observed her indifferently, without a hint of emotion manifesting on my face.

"Oliver, let's go back to the company. There are matters I must attend to," I said firmly.

"Yes, sir," replied Oliver, nodding seriously as he took the handle of my chair and began to push me out of the room, away from that chaotic scene.

We left Giselle dejected on the floor, suffering in silence as tears streamed down her face. No emotion invaded me. There was no room for rage or sadness in my heart; I only felt a cold and firm determination guiding me. The commitment that I once considered solid no longer existed. The opinion of the guests and the need to give explanations were completely indifferent to me. It was clear to me that I would send a letter of apology to everyone, and later I would take care of talking to her parents to inform them about the cancellation of the wedding.

As we drove away from the hotel, my thoughts were clear and forceful. Betrayal could not be part of my life, and Giselle had made that fatal decision for herself, thus sealing her own destiny with her actions.

The car glided smoothly along the city streets, in an almost ethereal journey. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was dense, a palpable stillness that seemed to envelop all the occupants, only interrupted from time to time by the subtle and constant purr of the engine. Oliver, who was always observant and attentive to detail, decided to break with that atmosphere of silence.

"Sir, what is the next step?" he asked, keeping his gaze fixed on the road, without being distracted for a second. "Do you really intend to cancel the wedding?"

"Yes, Oliver. The wedding is canceled," I replied firmly, feeling those words resonate in the air.

Oliver only nodded, his expression showing a mixture of surprise and understanding. However, his next question caught my full attention and made me turn my head towards him, seeking his gaze.

"Will you tell your father about what happened?" he asked, in a tone that reflected the concern we both shared at that moment.

I sighed, aware that this conversation had become unavoidable.

"Yes, I'll have to talk to him," I said with determination.

Oliver nodded once more, showing that he understood the seriousness of the matter at hand.

"I understand, sir. Is there anything else I can help you with?" he asked with a professional and willing attitude.

"For the moment, all I need is for you to take me back to the office. I have to organize everything related to the signing we have scheduled for tomorrow, in addition to drafting some important documents."

༺Narrates: Alejandro༻

"I am sitting in my office, surrounded by countless documents demanding my immediate attention. The sound of the phone vibrating on the surface of the table indicates that Giselle is trying to contact me again. I decide to ignore the call, as I have done on previous occasions."

"Facing me, Oliver stands, with a serene and neutral expression that does not reveal any kind of emotion."

"She won't answer, sir"he says, his voice sounds firm and controlled, without hesitation.

"Despite his presence, I do not take my eyes off the papers in front of me."

"If it were someone really important, I would. But she is not"I reply without giving it much importance.

"Oliver nods his head, grasping the seriousness of what I am saying. In my world, there is no room for weakness."

"The phone stops vibrating for an instant, only to be interrupted by a new attempt by Giselle. I take a deep breath, trying to keep calm, but I do not allow her insistence to affect me."

"How many more times is she going to try to contact us?"I ask, without taking my eyes off Oliver.

"I don't know, sir. But she seems really determined to keep trying."

"Insistence is something truly repugnant"I declare, and my words fall like a block of ice in the atmosphere". It does not change reality."

"I understand, sir. However, what will be your reaction if she continues to insist with the calls?"

"Ignorance can be a way to answer."I resume my tasks, making it clear that there is nothing more to discuss.

"The calls continue to arrive, one after another, like a distant echo that barely manages to disturb my concentration. However, I am in my comfort zone, immersed in my world of work and logic, where emotions have no place."

"Would you like me to make you a coffee?"Oliver asks, trying to alleviate the tense atmosphere that surrounds us.

"I don't need anything."My voice is barely a murmur, cold and distant. "I just want silence."

"And so, the same pattern repeats itself once again. Giselle calls insistently, while I prefer to ignore her presence."

"Is everything prepared for the meeting?" "I asked without taking my eyes off the documents."

"Yes, sir. I have prepared the presentation and the relevant reports."His tone is professional, although I perceive a slight tension in his voice.

"Make sure everything is properly organized."My words are clear. "I will not tolerate any errors."

"Understood. I have also confirmed the attendance of the members of the Board of Directors."

"Who will attend?"

"Mr. Martinez, Mrs. Gomez, Dr. Ruiz and, in addition, Mr. Frederick."

"Frederick?"my voice rises slightly. "Will a decision be made on his possible appointment as the new vice president?"

"That's right, sir. It is contemplated in the agenda."Oliver pauses, as if weighing his words. "Some members have expressed doubts regarding his suitability."

"Doubts that, by the way, are understandable."My expression becomes serious. "Frederick has little experience and, in my opinion, has not demonstrated his capacity satisfactorily."

"Would you like me to prepare a summary of his professional career?"Oliver asks as he takes careful notes.

"Yes, please, and make sure that all team members have access to information about his previous performance."

"I will do it immediately, sir. In addition, I have prepared a comparative analysis with other candidates who are also being considered."

"Excellent."Finally, I raise my eyes towards him, conveying seriousness. "It is essential that we are clear and concise when making our decisions. The board is not the right place to be carried away by emotions."

╞═════𖠁𐂃𖠁═════╡

"I am a man who has learned to see life from a different angle, from a wheelchair. The mobility I lost not only affected my body; it also changed my perspective on relationships and love. Every time a woman approaches me, I feel that her intentions are questionable. For them, I am just a means to an end: my money, my status. In their eyes, I do not see love, but interest."

"I have had experiences that have left me with scars. I remember that girl who seemed charming at first. We spent hours talking, laughing, but when the excitement faded, I realized that her interest was not genuine. Every time we went out, her first question was about where we were going to eat or what places I could offer her, and never about how I felt or what I thought. In her mind, I was just a trophy, access to a lifestyle she desired."

"As time passed, the disappointments accumulated. Every woman who crossed my path seemed to have the same agenda. They dressed with smiles and sweetness, but behind that facade, there was only a desire to take advantage. I have learned to protect myself. I have built walls around me, and every time I feel someone trying to tear them down, I cling even more to my distrust."

"The wheelchair is a constant reminder of my limitations, but also of the fragility of human relationships. In a world where appearance and status are so valued, I realize that my physical condition can be a factor that attracts certain women, but not in the way I expect. For many, my situation is an opportunity, access to something they want, and not an authentic connection."

"Love, for me, is an illusion. A trap that the unwary fall into. Why risk opening up to someone who, deep down, is only looking for what they can get? I prefer to stay away from that game. It is easier to live like this, without expectations, without disappointments. At the end of the day, I know that I can count only on myself."

"It's sad, perhaps, but I have made peace with this reality. I have learned to embrace my loneliness, to find comfort in my own company. In this life, love seems to be a luxury that I cannot afford. And perhaps, deep down, that's what hurts me the most: the certainty that I will never be able to fully trust anyone."

"For me, they are all the same; they are like wolves that hide under the appearance of lambs, using their sweetness and tenderness as a disguise to attract the unwary. With their seduction, they deceive and captivate, but in reality, they are ready to devour everything that stands in their way."

Anyway ......“women"......

                  (29 years old )

               Alejandro Williams

༺ Narrates: Alejandro ༻

"The house is in a deep silence, interrupted only by the ticking of the clock on the wall. I am sitting on the sofa, with a restless mind. My father enters the room, showing an expression of fatigue, but stops when he notices my presence."

"How is everything, son?"he asks me.

"Dad, I need to talk to you."

"He stops in his tracks, and his face reflects a combination of curiosity and concern."

"What's wrong? Is everything okay?"he asks.

"No, it's not okay"I reply. He remains enigmatically silent, waiting for me to continue. "I want to cancel my engagement to Giselle."

"You're crazy! Why would you want to cancel the engagement out of the blue?... I won't do it unless you give me a reason that is really valid"his gaze becomes more severe, showing his disbelief and concern.

"Well, I discovered her in a hotel room... with none other than Frederick. Does that seem like a sufficient reason to annul my engagement?"

"His expression quickly changes, first showing surprise, then disbelief, and finally turning to fury."

"With your brother?"he asks, as his jaw visibly tightens, revealing his indignation. "That can't be possible!"

"At that moment, the door opens and Frederick enters the room, looking carefree and with a smile on his face, as if nothing were happening."

"Family! How is everyone?"he says in a light, carefree tone, almost as if he were ignoring the serious conflict that is brewing.

"Dad, with slow but determined steps, walks towards him. His face is stained with an intense red, the product of contained anger. Without warning, he gives him a strong slap."

"What's wrong with you, how about that you messed with your brother's fiancee?"he shouts, his voice echoing in the room, filling the atmosphere with a palpable tension.

"Frederick, with one hand resting on his jaw, gently massages it while sketching a smile full of irony."

"What a way to receive your own son"he comments, his defiant tone imbued with contempt.

"Answer!"Dad shouts, his voice full of fury and lack of control. "You are shameless!"

"Frederick, showing no signs of unease, observes him from top to bottom with an arrogant and contemptuous gaze."

"Shameless? Is that what you think?"he replies, hinting at a provocative tone in his voice". I am a man and she is a woman."His eyes exude sarcasm as he continues". Besides, I am not responsible for my little brother not knowing how to satisfy his fiancee's needs."

"Shut up!"he shouts, his voice resounding loudly throughout the room, filling the atmosphere with tension. "You have no idea what you're saying!"

"Frederick, on the other hand, sketches a nauseating smile, clearly enjoying the moment of chaos he has caused."

"You should learn to move; it will be useful in bed. Oops, sorry, I overlooked that you can't."His laughter is sarcastic and mocking, and it is evident that he is rejoicing over what I am going through.

My father, on the verge of despair, shouts at him:

"Frederick, you have no respect for anything or anyone!"

"Respect? What do you know about respect?"his voice is low and imbued with sarcasm". Your dear son is a complete incompetent in intimacy. Maybe you should teach him how to be a real man."

"Enough!"Dad shouts, striving to maintain composure". I can't believe you're so indifferent to what you've done."

"Frederick laughs, delighting in the chaos he has generated."

"Indifferent? No, this is simply reality."

"I can't believe you've done this."

"Frederick, with a sarcastic smile drawn on his face, replies to him."

"Dad, you must understand that I have my own needs, just as she also has."

"He sighs". After so much talking, I'm very hungry. Did you prepare something to eat? "he comments, showing an expression of tiredness."

"Ah, so you claim that the only way to keep a woman happy is in intimacy, right? So you confirm that she only seeks you for sexual matters? Are you considered her... sexual object?"I expressed with irony"Of course, that sounds very romantic. Well, I don't judge you, apart from that you have nothing else to offer her"

"Dad turns towards him, with an expression of firmness in his eyes that leaves no room for doubt."

"Okay, hand over your cards and also the keys to your car. From this moment on, you will have to work and earn your own money."

"Frederick lets out an incredulous laugh, thinking it's a joke."

"What? Are you kidding, right?"

"Of course. I am not going to continue supporting someone who does not respect our family."

"Frederick furrows his brow, and the smile that previously illuminated his face completely vanishes."

"And what do you plan to do? Are you going to leave me with nothing? Are you going to allow your son to be on the street?"

"No, I am not going to leave you on the street. But you will need to learn to depend on yourself. The time has come for you to assume your responsibilities."

"This is absurd."Frederick crosses his arms, striving to maintain a defiant posture.

"What is really absurd is your attitude. You cannot continue in this way, ignoring the consequences of your actions."

"You can't do this to me!?"

"Oh, yes I can. In my house, my rules, my conditions"Dad replied firmly.

"You are dismissed from your position as vice president. From now on, you will work as any other employee and will be under your brother's supervision."

"Frederick, clearly frustrated, abruptly takes his jacket that is lying on the sofa and, before anyone can say anything, heads towards the door."

"This is ridiculous!"he shouts as he opens the door forcefully, slamming it shut as he exits.

"The noise startles Mirna, the nanny, who quickly comes down the stairs, distressed."

"What has happened?" "she asked, looking at Dad with concern."

"Dad, still in the process of recovering, took a deep breath and replied."

"Don't worry, Mirna. Everything is fine."

"She observed him with distrust, but nodded slowly, still with the unease reflected in her eyes."

"Dad let himself fall onto the sofa, fatigued, and ran a hand over his face."

"I can't believe it. Giselle seemed to be such a decent person... how could she have done this? That family! It's really disappointing."

"Sometimes, appearances can be deceiving, Dad"I comment.

"I know, son, but I never imagined this could happen. I always believed we had found the ideal person for you."

"People often hide a lot behind a good facade."

"Dad nods, with a distant gaze."

"It's disheartening. Not only for you, but for everything we have built as a family."

"Frederick has never been an easy person, but this... this is excessive"he responds, perceiving the tension in the environment". The most worrying thing is that he seems to show no interest whatsoever."Dad gets up and begins to walk from one side to the other". It's as if he enjoys the chaos he generates."

"That's right"I affirmed". He likes to be the center of attention, even if it's in the wrong way."

"Dad stops and looks at me seriously."

"Tomorrow morning, I will go and cancel any kind of relationship we have with that family"he declares with determination.