Episode 15

The next morning, Luisa wanted to get up but encountered two arms holding her as if they didn't want her to escape. She looked up and found Thomas's face; undoubtedly, her husband was handsome.

As Luisa was about to trace his nose with her finger, Thomas opened his eyes and smiled at her. It was the most beautiful smile she had ever seen. They both gazed at each other for several minutes, just as they were about to kiss, someone interrupted them.

"Cough, cough." They both turned to look. "If you're done with your displays of affection, may I take my son to my office?" Raúl spoke mischievously.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Raúl," Luisa embarrassedly apologized.

"Call me Raúl, remember you're my daughter-in-law," he kindly replied.

"As you wish, um... sorry, Raúl," she smiled.

Raúl found her endearing. He couldn't understand how Santiago had caused so much harm to a girl like her, who exuded sweetness and innocence just by looking at her.

"Let's go to my office, Father," Thomas said, getting up from the sofa.

"Alright, Luisa, see you soon. Take care," Raúl bid farewell.

"Likewise, Raúl." He went to the office with Thomas, and she went up to her room.

In the office, Thomas and Raúl finalized the details of Luisa's involvement in Santiago's companies.

"Have you talked to her?" Thomas shook his head. "Come on, son, don't delay it. You don't want someone else to tell her and risk misunderstandings."

"I know, Father, but I don't know how to explain to her that in a few days, her father will be left penniless," Thomas sat down and rubbed his face with his hands.

"You're right, son. She doesn't have any malice in her heart, and she surely won't allow her father to end up on the streets."

"I feel sorry for her, but that man deserves to pay for everything he's done in this life, and I won't stop my revenge for her sake," Thomas asserted.

"Remember, son, once Santiago is destroyed, you'll end your revenge and set Luisa free," Raúl declared.

A week ago, Thomas' father had called him to say that their divorce could be granted in three years if Santiago went to jail. To receive everything from Luisa, Santiago had to be free from any illegal dealings; that was Santiago's dirtiest secret.

"I'm not sure if I want to let her go," Thomas whispered, but Raúl heard him.

"If that's your decision, I won't interfere, but I ask you to take good care of her and protect her from your enemies. This young lady has already suffered too much."

"Don't worry, Father. I'll take care of Luisa with my life if necessary."

They continued discussing other topics related to the shipment that was sent last night. Thomas mentioned that everything was going smoothly.

"I have to go, son. I'll see you on Saturday."

"I'll be waiting, Father. And please make sure Aunt Lorena behaves with Luisa. I don't want to kick her out if she crosses any lines with her insults."

"Don't worry, I'll handle her," Raúl said his goodbyes and left.

UNITED STATES

"The businessman Thomas Moretti and his young wife, Luisa Brown, have been seen very much in love these past few days. It seems that all the doubts raised after announcing their marriage for business reasons have been dismissed, as they radiate love. We wish them the best and hope to hear news soon of a future Moretti and possibly a Brown heir."

Agustín woke up to this news in his penthouse. The night had been disastrous; he drank until his body couldn't respond anymore. The absence of Luisa was tormenting him, and seeing her smile at another man filled him with rage.

"You will never be happy with him. I'll kill you before that happens," he angrily threw the TV remote, causing it to break.

He took out the photo of Luisa from his wallet.

"Who am I fooling? I would never hurt you, my love. I love you so much I would die if you did." He repeated while caressing her photo.

The truth was that Agustín was beginning to obsess over Luisa.

The same news woke up the Browns, and they were not at all happy.

"I can't believe everything is going so well for that wench," Karen said, annoyed.

"I don't believe any of what those reporters say. That man is just pretending, it's so obvious," Priscila expressed her opinion.

" I hope everything is fake because if that man falls in love with Luisa and she with him, they will destroy us." Santiago spoke with concern.

" Luisa would never do that, she has a noble soul." Karen mocked.

" Don't be so sure, daughter. You don't know what a woman is capable of doing for the love of a man, right, honey?" Santiago looked at Priscila.

" That's right, sweetheart." Priscila smiled at him knowingly.

" What did I miss?" Karen was confused.

" What your father means is that if Luisa falls in love with Thomas, he can ask her for anything and she will agree, regardless of who gets hurt, just to please him.

" Could Luisa really do that?" Karen, based on her limited knowledge of Luisa, didn't believe she was capable.

" I hope we are misjudging her." Santiago said.

They finished breakfast and each went about their daily activities.

ITALY

Saturday arrived, along with Luisa's 18th birthday. She was excited as she had never celebrated a birthday before, as her family never did.

" Ready, my darling." Lucia said, attaching the final earring on Luisa.

" I'm a bit nervous." she said, biting her lip.

" You shouldn't be, my dear. Thomas made this for you with much love.

" Love? I don't believe that, Lucia. He does it to impress people, but I don't care about that. What matters is the intention." Luisa said, with a huge smile that filled her heart with excitement.

There was a knock on the door and Lucia went to open it. It was Thomas.

" Are you ready?" he started, but coughed as he was impressed to see Luisa more beautiful than ever.

" What were you saying?" Lucia smiled at him mischievously.

" Ah, yes. I was asking if you were ready." Luisa nodded and he extended his hand for them to go down together.

" You look truly beautiful." Thomas whispered near her ear as he pulled her in for a hug.

" Thank you." she kissed his cheek.

A sigh made them turn around.

" Sorry, it's just that you two make a lovely couple." Lucia said with enthusiasm.

The three laughed and continued walking, with Lucia walking ahead, followed by Luisa and Thomas, holding hands.

Onlookers observed the couple, some with joy and others with disdain, as no one is a prophet in their own land.

Upon reaching the bottom, guests approached Luisa to congratulate her.

" Congratulations, cousin." Héctor said, embracing her.

" Easy now." Thomas discreetly pushed him away when Héctor was about to kiss Luisa on the cheek.

" Possessive, cousin? I didn't think you were like that." Héctor began teasing Thomas.

" You're not the only one who wants to congratulate my wife." He emphasized the last word. "So make way for others." Thomas pushed him aside with his arm, while Héctor laughed. Without a doubt, his cousin had fallen in love, and he didn't even know it.

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