Episode 13

We have to be attentive to what those women do.

- We wouldn't be in this mess if we hadn't handed Luisa over to that mobster.

- There was no alternative\, it was either that or a coffin. Now change that image\, Agustín\, you look awful.

- Yes\, father\, whatever you say. Now\, if you don't mind\, would you leave me alone? - Ricardo rolled his eyes and left.

Agustín continued drinking, unaware of the exact moment his perfect world crumbled around him, all because he was a complete coward. His phone started ringing and upon seeing that it was Karen, he declined the call, but she kept insisting, so he decided to turn it off.

ITALY

Only a few days remained before Luisa turned 18 and officially gained legal ownership of everything her grandparents left her, as well as Santiago's properties. Although Thomas had taken care of all the necessary arrangements for the transfer in the last month, he still needed Luisa's signature and approval.

He wanted to celebrate her birthday, but in a small and intimate manner to avoid exposing her to their enemies. Not because she represented a weakness for him, but because he couldn't bear to see her suffer again, although deep down he admitted that he would die if anything happened to her.

- Nana\, I have a favor to ask.

- Of course\, tell me.

- I need you to prepare something nice for this Saturday.

- Is there a special occasion?

- Um\, yes. - He hesitated to tell her. - It's Luisa's birthday.

Lucía clapped in happiness for these two. It only took a little push for them to dare to confess their feelings because she had already noticed that Luisa was attracted to her boy.

Thomas rolled his eyes and told her to keep it discreet. He didn't want journalists gathering at the entrance of their house.

He went upstairs and before entering Luisa's room, he knocked.

- Come in.

- Hello\, Luisa. - She was surprised.

- Oh\, so you've learned how to knock\, huh? - Thomas smiled.

- What are you doing? - She approached Thomas where he stood.

- Reading a book. - He moved the book.

- Do you want to go for a walk? - Luisa's eyes lit up when she heard Thomas.

- Of course\, yes! - She said excitedly\, getting up from the armchair she was in.

- Then get ready; I'll wait for you downstairs. - Luisa nodded\, unable to stop smiling.

Luisa rushed to the bathroom, freshened up, and then went to get dressed. She opted for something comfortable: a pair of ripped jeans, a tank top with a denim jacket, and black sneakers.

After half an hour, she was ready. When she came downstairs, Thomas was waiting for her. They said goodbye to Lucía and left.

- Where are we going?

- First\, we'll go to one of my warehouses. I need to check some shipments\, and then I'm all yours. - As Luisa heard the last part\, she blushed.

Thomas chuckled; he adored her shyness.

- I know it might not be my business\, but could I know what you do? Based on what I overheard from Mr. Ricardo\, you guys are dangerous.

- Look\, Luisa\, I won't lie to you. Yes\, I am dangerous\, but I would never harm you. I'll always protect you from anyone who wants to hurt you. And if there comes a time when that person is me\, don't doubt that I'll keep you away from myself.

- Are you a hitman? - Luisa asked cautiously.

- No\, Luisa\, I'm a mobster. I didn't choose this life\, but due to life's circumstances\, I got tangled up in all of this. However\, that's a story I can't tell you just yet.

- I understand. - Luisa replied\, a little annoyed that he knew everything about her while she barely knew he was her husband.

- Don't be upset\, Luisa. I promise I'll tell you everything when the time is right. - He grabbed her hand and kissed it.

Luisa was still getting used to these displays of affection from her husband, although she admitted that she loved it every time he stole a kiss or hugged her when she least expected it.

They arrived at the warehouse, and some men dressed in black were waiting for Thomas.

- Sir\, the shipment is ready to be sent.

- Perfect. Call Hector and tell him to take care of all the logistics. This time\, I want no mistakes.

Luisa noticed that Thomas was very serious when speaking with his men, completely different from the man who had been in the car with her, showing affection.

"Agustín," a girl exclaimed without caring that Luisa was present, as she planted a kiss on the corner of his lips. "I'm so glad to see you again, I've missed you so much," she said while playfully toying with his tie.

Luisa remained neutral in front of them, unable to believe how brazen that woman was. She almost felt like putting a sign on her forehead that said, "I want you to take me." Luisa smiled at her own thoughts.

Thomas cleared his throat. "Pilar, let me introduce you to my wife," he said. The woman's smile faded away.

Now it was Luisa's turn to smile, an arrogant smile as she extended her hand.

"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Luisa de Moretti. And who might you be?"

"Pilar Román, your husband's ex-girlfriend," she mocked.

"Oh, I see. You must have done something terribly wrong not to become Mrs. Moretti," Luisa attacked.

"Not dear, everything I have done and still do to him, he loves," Pilar winked at her.

"That's good to know, Pilar, but it's a shame that even doing everything right, you have settled for the role of a suffering mistress," Luisa countered. Pilar's face transformed into a rage.

"Listen here, you piece of trash, you won't speak to me in that way," she was about to slap Luisa, but she was stopped by Luisa's grip on her hand.

"Don't get confused. Even though you roll around with my husband, it doesn't entitle you to this. Know your place," Luisa released her hand abruptly.

"I'll wait for you in the car," she told Thomas, who had remained silent throughout. "Teach her to take her rightful place."

"Luisa, I..." But Luisa ignored him and walked towards the car.

"Let her go, my love. Let's go inside and I'll relieve you of the stress that brat causes you," Thomas grabbed Pilar by the arm, forcefully dragging her into the warehouse. She complained as Thomas exerted too much force, causing her pain.

From the rearview mirror, Luisa watched as Thomas took her away. A tear rolled down her cheek. Moments like these brought back her insecurities.

"How foolish you are, Luisa. She is a real woman, and you are just a tasteless girl."

Pilar Román

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