Episode 9

After a long time of drying my manicure and some makeup touch-ups, we left. The stylist recommended that I use contact lenses, but I told her that I was already used to wearing glasses and besides, it would hide my honey-colored eye. She said that if it was to improve my vision, it wasn't mandatory to use them with an artificial color. I thought about it and decided, why not? I had already changed many things in my wardrobe and makeup, so I accepted. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I hardly recognized myself.

It had been almost a month since Markus had left for Italy. Bettina told me that his trips usually lasted between weeks or months, depending on how the business was going. For me, it would be much better if he stayed there for a whole year. "Ma'am, with all due respect..." "Bettina, what have I told you about formalities? Call me Christine." "Alright, it's just that I'm not used to it." "Okay, I forgive you. What did you want to tell me?" "Well, you look beautiful, and the young man will be amazed when he sees you." "Thank you, Bettina, but I couldn't care less. I just want him to stay away from me." "I know perfectly well what he did to you, and I'm not defending him, but you should let go of your grudge and make him fall in love with you." "Me? Fall in love with that arrogant, egocentric, despicable rapist?" "Yes, I believe that was Rodolfo Meyer's plan. He was hurt when he found out what the young man had done to you." Hearing Bettina speak about the grandfather's plan for his grandson to fall in love with me surprised me. "Can you explain? I don't understand." "I can't tell you anything else. Just take this letter; the lawyer left it for you." She handed me the letter and disappeared down the hallway. I looked at it; it was from Grandfather Gerardo.

"My dear granddaughter Christiane, I asked my lawyer to give you this letter in case you decide to marry my grandson. I know you are confused right now and don't understand why I threw you into the arms o…