Episode 2

I slowly open my eyes and feel a terrible headache. I had never drunk so much before. Memories from yesterday come rushing into my mind.

I left my house for the university. This time, I left earlier because my dad wasn't home and I can't stand being with Doña Clara. I grab my things but remember that I'm missing something.

Today, I decided not to drive because I needed to stop by Ethan's apartment. He would give me a ride to the university and bring me back home. My phone had low battery since we had been talking with the girls all night, but I didn't pay much attention. I would charge it later when I got back. Today was going to be a long day in art class.

After a few minutes, the taxi stops at the entrance of Ethan's apartment complex. I pay and get out. I have no trouble entering since I come here very often. They don't need to notify me, and I have the keys.

Ethan and I agreed on this arrangement. Sometimes I stay with him because it's closer to the university and it helps us learn to live together. We only have two more months to go before our families' agreement is fulfilled and our marriage takes place.

It wasn't difficult for us to adapt to this idea. We grew up together, our parents decided when we were little that we would share spaces. We've spent almost our entire lives together. It may be boring for some people, but we've learned to live with it.

We took a break in our adolescence to have other relationships. We've always been good friends, having spaces to tell each other about our experiences with our partners. Truthfully, I've only been in one other relationship. It didn't work out; the guy only wanted to sleep with me, and when I refused several times, he tried to force himself on me. It was then that I realized my parents had made the best decision for me. Ethan would always take care of me and protect me. Or at least, that's what I thought. It took Ethan a little longer to end those relationships, but it was for the best. He knew that from the moment our engagement was announced, we promised each other loyalty.

As soon as I opened the door, I heard voices. There were clothes scattered all over the apartment from the entrance. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest. Although I imagined what was happening, I continued denying that he would do this to me. Along with the men's clothes, which I assume are Ethan's, there were some that I recognized and refused to believe.

As I got closer, I could recognize their voices. It was them.

"How much longer are you going to continue with this charade? Why don't you just tell her the truth, that you love me as much as I love you?" Irina said.

"It's not that easy," Ethan replied.

"And what about our baby? He will be born and grow up without his father, while you play happy family with her?" Irina continued.

"You know it takes time. You know I love you, and it's for both of you that I'm doing all this. We need your sister's inheritance. You know it doesn't belong to you, and if our parents find out before we can secure it, they might disinherit me. How would we survive then? Give me some time. I'll tell Gabi today that we should move things forward and she'll accept it," Ethan explained.

"Do you think she'll fall for it that easily? You know, as much as I hate to admit it, she's very smart," Irina stated.

"But she's in love, and as long as she feels that way, I have her trust. Once we get married, I'll have her sign a power of attorney. She doesn't like dealing with numbers, administration, and who better than her husband to take care of her shares? Just be patient, my precious. I love you. I love both of you," Ethan reassured.

Gabriela

I don't know when I stopped breathing, how they could do this to me, my fiance and my half-sister together, and she's pregnant. I needed to get out of there, they had to pay for all of this. If I caused a scene, they would try to make me look bad or say that I want to break the engagement. It wouldn't be surprising if Clara knew about this. How long have they been doing this to me?

I took a taxi back home, not feeling up to anything. I wanted to sleep and let this sadness take over me. Inside the taxi, I allowed myself to release all the anger I had inside. I just wanted them both to pay for what they did to me, and I swear on my mother that they will. They wanted my actions, we'll see.

As I cried, my friend Daniela called me. She didn't even give me time to speak, she was so excited and invited me to Eros at 9:00 PM. She just gave me the information and hung up.

And who would have thought that this is where my story begins, an event that will change my life for better or for worse. Only life and time will tell.

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