Chapter 13.
By Valentino.
I awoke in my brother's bed after a long night. I checked the time: 7 a.m. Damn, I overslept. I called Matias to let him know I'd swing by for some paperwork and work from home until Issi gets better. I had forgotten to inform him about the recent events. Matias was really worried. It completely slipped my mind that he's friends with Issi. That's when something occurred to me.
"Matias, did you know that Issi used to date Ezequiel?"
Silence fell on the other end of the line, and that's when I knew... everyone was aware except for the two of us.
"Valen... I'm with Julia. We're heading over."
Matias hung up and I made my way to the shower. I let out a sigh. Before leaving the room, I made sure to tidy up, leaving my brother's bed just as it was. After showering, I went to pick out some clothes from the closet. Opting for casual attire since I'd be working from home, I chose some jeans, a white t-shirt, and my jacket. I grabbed the helmet, deciding to use Ezequiel's motorcycle today.
Descending the stairs, I saw Issi and my mother chatting. Issi looked beautiful, ready for the office—a notion I vehemently rejected. I wouldn't let her go to work until I was certain she was fine. I had spoken with my father and mother about closing a deal because I couldn't leave her alone, nor could I risk taking her on a trip with me. My parents agreed, as they were also worried about Isabella's health. However, there was something off about them. I'll speak with them when they get back; I'm sure they know something about all this. While talking to Issi, there was a knock at the door. I knew exactly who it was. I chose to let them in; however, Julia's reaction caught me off guard. She stormed in, yelling and accusing me. Matias was embarrassed. I decided to let them greet Issi but then escorted them out, following under the pretense that I was heading to work. I told Matias we'd talk later. I went to the garage, started the motorcycle, and left home. It had been a while since I last rode it. I try to use it every so often to keep it in good condition. Ezequiel loved his motorcycle, and we still keep all his belongings, including his bike.
Arriving at the office, I parked the motorcycle and walked in checking emails on my phone. I planned to reply to them before returning home. I entered the ninth floor, fixing my tousled hair, noticing the suggestive looks from the employees. Just like any other day. I remained indifferent. Suddenly, Mariana approached me.
"Valen, how's my friend doing?"
"She's alone at home. Look, Mariana, I need you to come to my office for a second."
Mariana nodded, following me with a hint of confusion. I entered my office and began gathering what I needed to work from home.
"So, what's going on? Is something up with Issi?" she asked.
"No, not at all. Listen, I need to ask you something. Please have a seat," I said, pointing to the futon.
"Of course," she said, sitting down.
I took the seat beside her and after a moment, I spoke:
"Mariana… what's your opinion of Julia?"
"Julia is our best friend. We've been together our whole lives. Why do you ask?"
"I don't know, Mariana. There's something about her… I mean, we never supported her relationship with Matias. We always had our doubts about her."
"‘We’? Who are ‘we’?"
"Ezequiel, Felipe, and myself. Don't get me wrong… It's just... She's kind of odd."
"I don't understand."
"Ezequiel mentioned several times that she tried to seduce him. But 'his girlfriend,' I mean Issi, thought it was all in his head. After all, she's her best friend."
"I see, but Valentino... Where are you going with this?"
"Nowhere. I'm sorry."
"No… I want you to tell me what's going on. NOW."
"I don't know, Mari," I confessed, rising to my feet and standing in front of her. "There's something off about her. I mean, you should've seen how she barged into the mansion this morning. She was so arrogant, and at times I felt she was threatening to tell Issi the truth. I didn't even dare leave her alone with Issi. I told her to leave."
"I don't know what to tell you... We've been friends since we were kids. I don't fully understand this, but… you can count on me."
"Thank you, Mari. We'll talk later, alright? I need to go home now. Remember, you're welcome anytime."
She nodded, and I bid her goodbye with a peck on the cheek and a gentle friendship hug.
On my way out, I turned around. Looking at Mariana, I said:
"Take a chance on Felipe. You won't regret it. I'm good at giving advice," I said, winking at her.
She laughed and nodded. I left with a smile. Mariana is a great girl, and my friend is crazy about her. I ran into Matias on the way and asked him to follow me home for a chat away from prying ears. I mounted the motorcycle and rushed back to the mansion as fast as I could. Upon entering, I heard voices coming from the kitchen. It was Issi and Esmeralda discussing the vineyards. However, Esmeralda almost said too much. I had to tell Issi she was referring to my brothers, trying to keep the fact that Ezequiel is my brother under wraps. I'll talk to her about it later. Right now, I just wanted to reassure her and stop her from asking more questions. After greeting her and convincing her to rest, telling her I love having her here at the house, I headed to my study to wait for Matias, who almost immediately followed me in.
"I got here as fast as I could," he blurted out.
"Matias, I met with Francisco Guevara yesterday. He has evidence that leads him to believe my brother was murdered…"
"What are you talking about? Who would want to harm Ezequiel?"
"I don't know, Matias! I don't know. The only thing I'm certain of is that I'll make whoever did it pay—for what they did to my brother, to my family, to me, to everyone. This won't go unpunished."
"And I'll support you, Valen. But you need to stay calm. We'll get to the bottom of this. Besides… you need to tell her the truth."
"I know," I exclaimed. "I'm just waiting for the right moment; I can't let her fall apart again."
I tried to remain calm as I continued talking with Matias about the issue. Soon Julia called him, and he had to leave. I love my friend, but hate how whipped he is. I decided to check on Isabella, maybe ask her to take a stroll through the garden. When I reached the upper level, I noticed the door to Ezequiel's room was ajar.
"Oh no," I muttered to myself.
I entered the room and finding her in such a state, my heart shattered into a thousand pieces.
"Issi," I called with a low voice.
"No, no! HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN? HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN THAT I WAS HIS GIRLFRIEND?! ANSWER ME!" she yelled.
"I found out just yesterday. I'll explain everything, Issi, listen to me."
"NO, I WON'T LISTEN. I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU!"
She was highly upset, and I understood her. I held her by the arms, embracing her tightly, refusing to let her go. I was terrified that she would do something rash. She pounded on my chest as I clung even tighter.
"Let it out. Cry, Issi, cry."
"Why did you hide it? Why?"
"I didn't know, Isabella. I didn't know until yesterday. Believe me, it broke my heart too when I found out."
"This can't be happening."
"Come here," I said, guiding her gently toward the bed. I lay down with her in my arms, trying to soothe her. I let her weep until she had exhausted all her tears. I would never let go of her. This woman was driving me crazy, and even if it meant betraying my brother's memory, I could no longer deny the deep affection I felt for her. My own tears soon followed. It was all too much for both of us. We hadn't formed any bond beyond friendship, at least not for now. But the story connecting us was stronger than any other. We found solace in each other's arms, and there we fell into a deep sleep.
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