Episode 11

They dined in silence, but every now and then, Thomas would glance at Luisa. She, on the other hand, ate as quickly as possible because her husband's stares made her uncomfortable.

After finishing her meal, determined to get up, she pushed her chair back and stood up. But Thomas stopped her.

"Luisa, we need to talk," he said. She remained frozen, knowing that he was going to bring up what happened in the room.

"If it's about what happened up there, I know it was a mistake," she said before Thomas could speak.

"No, Luisa, it's not about that. It's about the agreement we have."

Luisa felt ashamed. Of course, he wouldn't bring up that topic unless it was important. He didn't feel anything for her, and it was better that way. She didn't want to fall in love with a man who saw her as an object for closing deals.

"Luisa," Thomas's voice made her look at him, "Did you hear me?" She shook her head.

Thomas sighed in frustration. He had gathered all the courage to tell her that they wouldn't divorce for three years and that they would possibly be married until death do them part. But she hadn't listened.

"I apologize," she said, trying to salvage the situation. "What were you saying?"

"I've already forgotten what I was going to say," he lied. The truth was that he didn't have the courage to say it again.

"May I leave?" Thomas nodded, and she almost ran out of the dining room.

Thomas curved his lips into a half-smile. He had decided that if he couldn't muster the courage to tell her the truth, he would make her fall in love, and then reveal it when he was sure she wouldn't leave him. But he feared the outcome might be different, and that he would find himself falling for her. She was far from being indifferent to him.

After that brief conversation they had in the dining room, Luisa resolved to avoid Thomas at all costs. He was too tempting, and she didn't want to be hurt again.

Days passed, and it had been a month since they got married. Thomas didn't spend the whole day at home; he would only arrive when Luisa was already asleep. But that didn't stop him from going to her room and admiring her for a few minutes. He wanted to see her, but he had too much work to do now that Luisa's shares were under his control.

That was another topic he needed to discuss with her. He didn't want to lie to her, and he felt the need to tell her the truth.

That day, he had arrived early from work, sitting in his office. He heard the doorbell ring and waited for a moment, expecting Lucía to inform him if he had visitors. But she never communicated anything, so he decided to go and see who it was.

As he approached the living room, he could hear murmurs from Luisa and Lucía.

"Don't be like this, my child," Lucía comforted Luisa.

"It hurts me so much that they did this to me," she said, holding up an envelope. "I love him, Lucía, and I thought he felt the same."

"They don't deserve your tears," Lucía wiped her cheeks. "They only want to cause you more pain, so don't let them." She hugged her.

From the hallway, Thomas observed them without being seen. He didn't dare to take another step, but he didn't know why hearing Luisa say that she loved someone else bothered him. He waited for both of them to leave before going to see the envelope that Luisa had received.

Looking at it, he found an invitation to a wedding. He began to read it, and with each word, his anger grew. How was it possible for Luisa to cry over a fool who chose luxury over her?

"Is something wrong, Thomas?" Upon hearing Luisa's voice, he quickly hid the envelope.

"No," he said sternly.

"You seem upset."

"And I see that you've been crying, so I should be the one asking if something is wrong," he said coldly.

Luisa shook her head, and he laughed. "So, you're just crying because you felt like it. Is that it?" He started to approach her dangerously.

"Yes," she lied again.

He grabbed her arms and pushed her against the wall, but he underestimated his strength, and Luisa hit the wall hard, letting out a cry of pain.

"Tell me, Luisa, do I look like an idiot to you?" He squeezed her arms tightly.

"Thomas, you're hurting me, please let go," Luisa started trembling with fear. In the short time she had known him, she had never seen him like this.

"WHY ARE YOU LYING TO ME, LUISA?" he shouted.

"No, I didn't."

- And you keep doing it - his anger escalated - Why don't you admit that you're crying over the bastard who left you at the mercy of my men without looking back? Tell me why you don't accept it - he began shaking her.

- Thomas\, let her go\, please - Lucia\, upon hearing the shouts\, went to see what was happening.

- Don't interfere\, nanny\, this is between my wife and me.

- You're a fool\, Luisa\, crying over a man who traded you for money. He's not worth it - his words angered Luisa.

- And you are worth it - those words made Thomas release his grip - Do you dare to judge someone when you did the same to me? - she pointed her finger at his chest - You're just as bad or even worse than him. In fact\, you're worthless\, a reprehensible being\, just like my father who thinks money solves everything.

Thomas couldn't believe what Luisa was saying. He couldn't contain himself and slapped her, causing her to fall. Realizing his mistake, he tried to help her.

- Forgive me\, Luisa. I didn't mean to do it - Luisa pushed him away.

- You have no idea how much I hate you\, Thomas - she ran up the stairs\, crying.

- Ahhh - Thomas let out a frustrated scream.

- Calm down\, Thomas - Lucia brought him a glass of water.

- I hurt her\, nanny\, and I didn't want to - he pulled his hair - She hates me\, and I... I - he lowered his head between his knees.

- You love her - Lucia said sadly.

- I don't love her\, nanny.

- Don't lie to yourself\, young man. I know you've loved that woman ever since Raul showed you her picture - Thomas lifted his head - Don't look at me like that. Your eyes sparkled that day\, but you don't want to accept that feeling because of the hatred you have towards the Browns.

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