...Chapter 1...

On a night that should have been special, Valentina Mendez discovered the painful truth about her marriage: her husband, Mateo Figueroa, was cheating on her with a university student.

It was Mateo's birthday. Valentina had spent hours preparing an elaborate dinner when the phone her husband had left at home buzzed with a notification. Upon checking the message, her world crumbled:

[Oh, I hurt myself while carrying your cake… It hurts so much!]

The message was accompanied by a suggestive photograph. Although it didn't show a face, it captured legs exuding youth: knee-high white socks, black patent leather shoes, and a blue and white university uniform slightly hiked up, revealing slender and perfect legs.

A reddish mark on her pale knee was visible, and there was something disturbingly seductive in the combination of that young body and the childish tone of the message.

It was no secret that successful businessmen often had a weakness for that kind of mistress.

Valentina's knuckles turned white from clutching the phone tightly as another message arrived:

[Mr. Figueroa, I’ll be waiting for you at La Corona Real to celebrate your birthday tonight…]

His mistress planned a celebration while she had prepared a dinner that was cooling down at home.

Without a moment's hesitation, Valentina grabbed her purse and headed to the restaurant. She needed to see for herself who the woman was that was destroying her marriage.

The shock awaiting her at La Corona Real was even more devastating than the infidelity itself. Before she could enter, she encountered her parents, Angel Mendez and Catalina Montoya.

"Dad? Mom? What are you doing here?" "she asked, bewildered."

The look exchanged between her parents was laden with guilt before her father replied:

"Your sister has returned to the country. We brought her here."

Luciana?

Through the spotless windows of the restaurant, Valentina stood frozen upon seeing her sister wearing exactly the same university uniform from the photograph.

The revelation struck her like a slap: her husband’s lover was her own sister.

Luciana had always been the beauty of the family, revered as the goddess of New Celestia, especially famous for having the most beautiful legs in the city. Those same legs that had captivated so many men were now being used to seduce her own brother-in-law.

"I see I’m the last to find out"Valentina said with a bitter laugh.

"Valentina, let’s be honest, Mr. Figueroa never loved you"her father replied, avoiding her gaze.

Her mother was more cruel:

"Do you know how many women in New Celestia desire Mr. Figueroa? It's better for him to be with your sister than with anyone else."

"I’m his daughter too!"Valentina exclaimed, holding back tears.

As she attempted to leave, her mother's voice stopped her:

"Valentina, tell me the truth, has he ever slept with you?"

Valentina's silence was answer enough.

"Don’t blame us"her father attacked". Mateo and Luciana were the perfect society couple until the accident left him in a vegetative state. Only then did we arrange your marriage to him."

Her mother looked her up and down with disdain:

"Look at you. Three years of marriage and you’re nothing more than a simple housewife revolving around your husband. Meanwhile, Luciana is a prima ballerina. She is the white swan and you… you are the ugly duckling. How could you even compare? Do everyone a favor and give Mateo back to your sister."

With a shattered heart, Valentina returned to the mansion, enveloped in the darkness of the night. She had given Regina, the maid, the day off, leaving the house steeped in a grave silence, without a single light lit.

She sat alone at the dining room table, contemplating the elaborate dinner that had already grown cold. The cake she had lovingly baked now looked like a cruel mockery with its message: “Happy birthday, my love.”

Everything felt like a cruel joke, including her own existence in that house.

The truth was painful: Mateo and Luciana had been the golden couple of high society. Everyone knew that the beautiful Luciana was Mateo's true love, until that fateful accident left him in a vegetative state and Luciana disappeared without a trace.

It was then that the Mendez family brought her from the countryside and forced her into a marriage of convenience. But for Valentina, it wasn’t an obligation: she had always secretly loved Mateo, so she accepted without hesitation.

For three years, she dedicated herself exclusively to caring for him. She abandoned her social life and personal development, becoming a selfless nurse and housewife focused solely on his recovery. And when he finally woke up…

Valentina lit a candle, and her reflection in the mirror showed her an image she despised: a woman without grace in a sober black and white dress, the very image of monotony.

The contrast with Luciana could not have been crueler: during those same three years, her sister had become a prima ballerina, brimming with youth and vitality.

A bitter truth settled in her chest: she was the ugly duckling, Luciana the white swan. And now that Mateo had awakened, he would naturally return to the swan, abandoning the duckling who had cared for him.

Her eyes moistened as she blew out the candle. Everything had been an illusion.

Suddenly, the headlights of a Rolls-Royce illuminated the garden. Valentina startled: she hadn't expected Mateo to return that night.

The imposing figure of her husband appeared in the doorway. As the heir of the Figueroa family, Mateo had always been exceptional: two master's degrees from Harvard at 16, success on Wall Street, and now the richest businessman in New Celestia.

“Why is everything dark?” his deep voice resonated in the gloom.

As the lights came on, Valentina could once again admire his perfect form in that tailored black suit. She understood why so many women dreamed of him.

“It’s your birthday,” she murmured.

“Don’t waste time on these things. I’m not interested,” he replied disdainfully.

“Not interested in your birthday or not interested in celebrating it with me?” she countered.

“Think what you want,” he responded, heading toward the stairs.

He had always been like this: cold, distant, unattainable.

“Wait,” she called out. “I want to give you a birthday gift.”

“I don’t need anything.”

Valentina curved her lips into a bitter smile:

“Mateo, I want a divorce.”

He, who already had one foot on the stairs, stopped dead in his tracks and turned, locking his deep black eyes on her for the first time that night.

...Chapter 2...

Valentina fixed her gaze on him, and with a soft but unwavering voice, she said:

"Let's get divorced, Mateo. How about this as a birthday gift?"

Mateo's attractive face remained impassive.

"You're asking me for a divorce just because I didn't celebrate your birthday?"

"Luciana is back, isn't she?"

Upon hearing that name, a cold smile etched itself onto Mateo's lips, and he let out a scornful laugh. He approached her with deliberate steps.

"Does Luciana worry you?"

As the youngest tycoon in the business world, Mateo radiated an imposing aura, a product of his power, position, and wealth. His closeness made Valentina instinctively step back.

The coldness of the wall against her delicate back surprised her. In an instant, her vision darkened as Mateo cornered her, resting a hand against the wall, trapping her between his burly chest and the wall.

He looked at her with his beautiful eyes narrowed, his lips curved in a sarcastic sneer.

"All of Nueva Celestia knows that Luciana was my fiancee. Didn't you know that when you schemed to take her place as Mrs. Figueroa? If you didn't care then, why are you playing the victim now?"

The color drained from Valentina's face.

It was true. He was meant to marry Luciana.

If she hadn't fallen into a vegetative state, how would she have come to be his wife?

She would never forget the day he woke up: when he opened his eyes and saw her, his gaze revealed a disappointment and coldness that he didn't even try to hide.

Since then, they had slept in separate rooms. He had never touched her.

He loved Luciana.

She knew all this, but…

She gazed deeply at Mateo's face, superimposing it in her mind with that teenager from years ago.

"Mateo, do you really not have any memories of me?"

It seemed that only she was still anchored in those days.

It no longer mattered.

These three years would serve as a testament to her unrequited love.

Suppressing the pain and bitterness that gripped her chest, Valentina spoke:

"Mateo, let's put an end to this marriage without intimacy."

Mateo's eyebrows arched, and his magnetic voice uttered:

"Without intimacy?"

He raised his hand to hold her delicate chin, his thumb brushing her crimson lips with intent:

"So that's why you want a divorce? Do you have… unmet desires?"

Valentina's delicate face turned a deep red, like a ripe strawberry about to burst.

That's not what she meant!

His thumb pressed against her red lips, revealing a seductive side that she never would have expected from such a distinguished and elegant man.

It was the first time Mateo had observed Valentina so closely. She always dressed in black and white, with those huge dark glasses that made her look older than she was.

But now, he noticed that her face was small, the size of his palm, and her features behind the glasses were extraordinarily beautiful, enhanced by bright eyes like those of a fawn, which made her an unparalleled beauty.

Her lips were soft.

Where his finger pressed, the scarlet color disappeared momentarily only to return instantly, tempting and smooth.

He felt like tasting them.

Mateo's eyes darkened.

"Wow, I didn't imagine Mrs. Figueroa had such… intense desires. Do you crave a man so much?"

SLAP!

Valentina's slap echoed in the room.

Mateo's face was turned by the impact.

Valentina's fingers trembled with indignation. As always happens when you love with too much humility, your sincerity ends up being trampled on. How dare he humiliate her like that?

"I know perfectly well that you've never been able to forget Luciana!" she exclaimed, furious and hurt. "So now I'll let you be together, returning her place as Mrs. Figueroa!"

Mateo's expression froze instantly, covered by an icy mask. Being who he was, no one had ever dared to slap him!

"Valentina," he pronounced coldly, "you married me when you wanted and now you intend to divorce me when it pleases you. What do you think I am?"

"A toy," she replied with a bitter laugh.

What?

Fury etched itself on Mateo's face.

"You are a toy that I snatched from Luciana," Valentina lied, hiding her pain, "and now that I'm bored, I want to get rid of it."

Mateo's face darkened so much that it seemed he was about to distill venom.

"Perfect, Valentina, very well played. If you want a divorce, you'll have it. But don't come crying later, begging for us to come back!"

He went up the stairs to his study, slamming the door with a crash that shook the entire house.

Strength abandoned Valentina, who slowly slid down the wall until she was curled up on the carpet, hugging herself.

"Mateo, I will never love you again."

…

The next morning, Regina, the maid, entered the study.

Mateo was reviewing documents at his desk, true to his reputation as a workaholic.

"Sir," Regina called softly.

He didn't even look up. His bad mood was evident; the atmosphere was so icy that it could freeze the air.

Regina carefully placed a cup next to his hand.

"Sir, it's the coffee that Madam made for you."

Mateo's hand, which was holding the pen, stopped for a moment. His stern expression softened slightly.

Was she seeking reconciliation?

He had to admit that Valentina had been an exemplary wife. She cooked according to his tastes, washed his clothes by hand, and attended to every detail of his daily life.

He took a sip of coffee. It was just as he liked it. But he was still angry. The slap last night… that grievance would not be easily erased. A simple cup of coffee would not be enough.

"Did Madam acknowledge her mistake?" he asked.

Regina looked at him with a strange expression.

"Sir… Madam has left."

Mateo looked up, surprised.

Regina extracted an envelope.

"She left with her suitcase. She asked me to give you this."

Upon opening it, the words "Divorce Agreement" jumped before his eyes.

Mateo was stunned. And he was thinking she was seeking reconciliation!

"Madam said that after you finish your coffee, you should sign the divorce papers," Regina added.

"Throw it away!" Mateo ordered, looking at the coffee with contempt. "Throw it all away!"

Regina thought, "A moment ago he seemed to enjoy it… what changed?"

She hurried out with the cup, not daring to comment.

Mateo's face darkened as he reviewed the document. She was asking for nothing, leaving without a penny.

He let out a bitter laugh. How proud she turned out to be. How did a small-town girl think she could live without money?

Three years ago she had schemed everything to marry him, wasn't it all for money?

His eyes narrowed as he read the reason for the divorce.

Written by Valentina: "Due to the husband's physical disability, sexual dysfunction, impossibility of fulfilling conjugal duties."

His face turned black with fury.

Damn woman!

He picked up his phone and dialed Valentina's number directly.

The call connected almost instantly.

"Hello?" she answered with a crystalline voice.

...Chapter 3...

Mateo pressed his lips into a grim line:

"Valentina, come back here immediately!"

She let out a laugh.

"Do you think I'm going to come back just because you order it? We're already getting divorced, your authority over me is over!"

"I'll give you a chance to change the reason for the divorce,"he muttered through his teeth.

Valentina's laughter became more pronounced.

"Did I write something wrong? Mateo, you've been awake for half a year and you haven't even held my hand. You were in a vegetative state for three years, and even though you're healthy now, I have reason to suspect you have… functional problems. You're useless now! Better look for a specialist. My best divorce wish for you is that you regain your manhood soon."

A vein throbbed on Mateo's forehead.

This woman had become completely insolent!

"Valentina, sooner or later I'll make you see what I'm capable of!"

"Sorry, but you won't have that chance anymore!"

"Valentina!"

The phone cut off with a double beep before he could finish erupting in anger.

"VALENTINA!!!"he roared furiously.

…

Valentina was already at her best friend Camila Jimenez's apartment, who burst out laughing when she hung up the phone.

"Well said, Valentina!"Camila exclaimed, raising her thumb. "Mr. Figueroa must be spitting blood with rage."

Valentina reflected that her love had been too humble, that's why he had treated her with such haughtiness.

To love others, you must first love yourself.

Especially women must love themselves first.

"Three years ago, when Luciana found out about the accident that left Mr. Figueroa in a vegetative state, she fled immediately"Camila commented". And now that he woke up, he's looking for her again? You did well to leave him!"

Valentina unwrapped a chocolate and put it in her mouth. The sweet taste seemed to mask the bitterness in her heart.

"Camila, this is the difference between being loved and not being loved,"Valentina sighed as she unwrapped another chocolate". Whoever is loved can afford to be indifferent, while whoever loves without being reciprocated lives fearing losing what little they have."

Camila noticed the pile of chocolates that Valentina had already consumed. She took her by the arm and made her stand up.

"Cheer up, Valentina! When you abandon a tree, you discover you have a whole forest. Tonight we'll hire eight male gigolos for your bachelorette party!"

Valentina smiled, covering her face.

Camila took off her black glasses and threw them directly into the trash.

"My glasses!"Valentina tried to recover them.

"Valentina, you've been in so much study for so long that it's stuck to these glasses. You should learn from Luciana and fix yourself up more."

Valentina remembered how her parents said that she was the ugly duckling and Luciana the white swan.

Probably not only her parents thought so; for Mateo she must also be an ugly duckling.

Camila dragged her towards the door.

"Let's go shopping! Hairdresser, manicure, clothes, the whole package! I want Mateo and everyone to open their eyes wide and see how beautiful you are!"

Suddenly, Camila remembered something.

"By the way, Valentina, are you really not going to ask for any of Mr. Figueroa's money?"

"I have enough money to support myself."

"So you'll let Luciana enjoy his money? She must be very grateful to you."

"And the card that Mr. Figueroa gave you?"

Mateo had always been generous, he had given Valentina a golden black card, although she had never used it.

Valentina took the golden card out of her bag and winked mischievously.

"Well, today I shop and Mr. Figueroa pays."

…

That night, at the 1996 bar.

The 1996 bar had always been the place where the elite of New Celestia squandered money. The sons of the rich and powerful spent fortunes there. That night, the DJ didn't stop and people danced frantically.

In a luxurious reserved area with dim light, Mateo occupied the main seat on the sofa. He wore a black shirt and black pants, with the sleeves rolled up showing his muscular forearms and a million-dollar watch. His elegant and attractive presence was like a magnet that attracted the gazes of all the women in the bar.

Next to him was his good friend Joaquin Medina, the heir of the Medina, along with other sons of rich families.

Joaquin laughed heartily.

"What do you say, Mateo? Valentina wants to divorce you?"

The others also laughed.

"Who doesn't know that Valentina loves Mr. Figueroa to the bone? Even when he was in a vegetative state, she insisted on marrying him. How is she going to want to divorce now?"

"Let's make a bet, how long will Valentina last without looking for Mr. Figueroa?"

"I bet Valentina won't last even today,"said Joaquin". At any moment she'll send a message to my Mateo, ha, ha!"

Mateo's attractive face remained somber and severe, evidently in a bad mood.

He took out his phone and opened the WhatsApp chat with Valentina.

The last conversation was from the night before: Valentina had sent a photo of a bone broth with the message “Honey, even though your bone density is already normal, you should continue taking bone broth. Come home soon!”

Checking backwards, all the messages were from Valentina. She wrote every day.

He had never responded.

Not even once.

Today everything was silent. She hadn't sent any WhatsApp.

Mateo felt a tightness in his chest.

Ding!

A message arrived.

"What I said!"Joaquin exclaimed". Valentina has sent a message to Mateo!"

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Several messages arrived in a row.

The others burst out laughing.

"We knew Valentina wouldn't last, but we didn't think so little!"

"Quick, Mateo!"Joaquin urged". Look at what Valentina has sent you! She's sure to be crying, begging for you to come back."

Mateo's eyebrows moved slightly. She had sent him a message?

If he had known this would happen!

Wasn't she very proud this morning?

Mateo opened the messages and was stunned.

Joaquin read aloud:

"Dear VVIP user, your card ending in 0975 has made a charge of $800 at Glamour Spa."

Everyone was perplexed.

Mateo continued reading: $2,000 at Royal Salon.

$8,600 at Chanel.

$24,000 at Louis Vuitton.

…

There was no plea for reconciliation, only shopping notifications.

Everyone looked at each other.

It was as if Valentina had slapped them from a distance. Very uncomfortable.

Mateo, with his face livid, slammed the phone against the table. He didn't care how much money Valentina spent, but that barely divorced she went shopping. This woman was incredible, really incredible!

The woman who for three years had been so submissive and dependent on him, had suddenly grown fangs.

"Mateo,"said Joaquin", what is Valentina plotting? She went to get her nails done, her hair done and buy clothes… Isn't she trying to imitate Luciana?"

"Luciana is the goddess of New Celestia, Valentina is a country girl. No matter how hard she tries, it will be like a bad copy."

"A white swan will always be a white swan, and an ugly duckling will always be an ugly duckling. An ugly duckling will never become a swan."

Everyone was mocking Valentina.

Suddenly, there was a stir in the bar. All eyes turned to one point, and someone exclaimed:

"Look! She looks like a goddess!"