Episode 3

Narrated by Lorena.

Mrs. Laura called me to inform me that Ricardo would pick me up at the airport. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I want him to see me and see how much I have changed. I'm not the same person I was when he called me "moscosa." But on the other hand, I am very anxious about his reaction. Since I met Ricardo, I liked him. He is the protagonist of my wet dreams. I have never had a boyfriend before, but I see this love as impossible because I always see him in the tabloids with his girlfriend Vanessa.

One day, I asked my mother if she knew about their relationship. She told me that Ricardo's family would never accept it, and that's why she didn't see a future in that relationship. I couldn't inquire much with my mother to avoid suspicion. Besides, for the past five years, I have given myself advice to forget about Ricardo, that he is not the right man for me.

I am lost in my thoughts when I hear the announcement that the airline is delayed due to bad weather. I head to the cafeteria for a hot chocolate when I receive a message from my best friend Katia. I decide to call her to clear my mind about the delay and try to convince her to come and live in Italy. Two hours later, my flight finally takes off.

I arrive in Italy and before getting off the plane, I touch up my makeup. The first impression is what counts, I tell myself, while laughing at my own whims. I am in the waiting area, looking for Ricardo despite not seeing him for five years. I have closely followed his life, and I know exactly what he looks like. But to my surprise, I managed to spot someone who always appears in the photos behind him. He approaches me and informs me that his boss was held up in a last-minute meeting and couldn't make it. He will be in charge of taking me to the De Santis mission.

I pretend that everything is fine and greet him politely. The journey to the mansion is quiet.

I arrive at the mansion feeling a bit exhausted. Mr. and Mrs. De Santis welcome me warmly. My father worked in the technology department of the De Santis family's factory for more than 15 years. When he married my mom, they decided to move to the United States and use their savings to start a technology company. The De Santis family always provided advice to my parents. Five years ago, our last visit was to seek the De Santis family's opinion on a new partnership proposed by a Belgian company to my parents. Thanks to that, my mother's company is now one of the best in the United States. My parents always say that although the De Santis family didn't contribute financially to the company, they are grateful to them for their advice and support.