Episode 20

KIARA: Alright, Matilde, I'll respect your decision. But if Alejandro ever brings her and I'm not around, and she treats you poorly, you will let me know. I won't stand for anyone mistreating you while I'm here.

MATILDE: There's no need to worry about it; I highly doubt he’d bring her here knowing you're present. He wouldn't dare.

KIARA: Don't be so sure, Matilde. Alejandro told me he'll bring her whenever he wants. And you know what? It doesn't bother me because, to tell the truth, it's his house, and he can do whatever he wants in it as long as it doesn't bother me. If it doesn't, all is well.

MATILDE: What are you saying? He can't do that, he can't bring that woman into this house while you're here. Where's the decency in forcing a wife to endure her husband's mistress in their home? That's a blatant disrespect to you. You've said it yourself; this is your home too. So long as you live here, you're the mistress of the estate because you carry his name. From the moment you became his wife, you became the one in charge... So, you mustn't allow it.

KIARA: Yes, Matilde, I know, but there's nothing I can do. He told me before we got married, and I accepted it. As I said, I don't mind him bringing her as long as they don’t make it my issue. They can do what they want. He and I have an understanding. I hope he keeps his word, and I'll do the same.

MATILDE: But don't you see what I just said? That woman won't see it the same way. She'll want to trouble you because she'll see you as a threat, and your life will be a living hell with Alejandro on her side. That will happen, and you have to act before he brings her. You must make him understand that she can't come here anymore.

KIARA: Don't worry about that, Matilde. I'm starting university soon, and I won't be around much—maybe in the mornings and late at night when I return. Hopefully, we won't see much of each other, and I hope these two years fly by so we can go back to our lives.

MATILDE: If you say so, my dear, but it never hurts to tell you these things. You're still so naïve, even though you're mature for your age," she said, her face lined with concern but softened by a sweet smile. "And even if it doesn't seem like it now, one day I will be proven right."

KIARA: What do you mean by saying you’ll be right? Are you referring to her making my life hell?" Kiara asked curiously, not quite understanding what Matilde meant. "Please explain, Matilde."

MATILDE: Don't fret, my lady. You’ll come to understand in time," she said, exiting the kitchen with a smile on her face, leaving Kiara more confused than before.

NARRATOR: Matilde knew what she was talking about and wasn't far from the truth. Angela considered Kiara an obstacle, one that stood in the way of her plans, but she didn't see her as a threat... The future, however, is uncertain; no one knows what may happen over those two years of marriage… Angela was a beautiful woman who was confident that Alejandro would always stand by her side. In life, though, anything can happen… And as Kiara mentioned, she started university and spent very little time at home. Alejandro cared even less; he was always out and about, and the time he did spend in the mansion felt more like a prison to him. They hadn’t seen each other for almost a month, and he didn’t seem to care. Kiara, focused on her studies, would return home only wanting to sleep, provided she didn’t have assignments to hand in—she’d eat dinner and then lock herself in her room, asking not to be disturbed. Matilde felt sad about how things were unfolding; it had been a month since they lived together, yet they remained like strangers under the same roof. Then one morning, just like any other, Kiara’s grandfather called her:

PHONE CALL:

KIARA: Hello… Who am I speaking with?

GRANDFATHER: Hello, my dear, it’s Alejandro’s grandfather.

KIARA: Oh, Mr. Macolis, how have you been?

GRANDFATHER: Quite well, dear, albeit a bit sad because my grandson and you haven't come to visit. It's been a month since I've seen you both, and that's why I'm calling—to invite you to dinner one of these days. ...Hello? Are you still there, Kiara? Can you hear me?

KIARA: Ah…I...um... Realizing her rude silence, Kiara gathered her courage and replied, "But I will talk to Alejandro and see what he thinks because sometimes he's busy and can't make it, but I'll ask him.

GRANDFATHER: Alright, you do that. Just remember, if you don’t come, I’ll come to visit, do you hear? The elderly man said, knowing she couldn’t refuse.

KIARA: Oh no, that's not necessary. We'll go. I'll convince Alejandro, don't worry. Shall we say the end of the week? She asked resignedly, realizing there wasn't much else she could do—either she went with Alejandro, or the grandfather would visit where they were living and find out everything.

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