Episode 11

Cheers to Vivian!

Vivian.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" Mr. Salvatierra asks while driving the car. "I can drop you off at your house if you need it." he suggests, and I shake my head sideways, refusing his offer.

"No need, I already feel better." I assure and smile kindly. "Thank you very much." he nods and remains silent.

I can't go home now, if I do, all I'll do is think about what I saw and cry over it. It's so silly that I feel this way, I knew Tomas was still seeing Kendall, I shouldn't let it affect me, it's not the first time I've seen them together being so affectionate.

It hurts because it's not like that with you.

A small voice in my head tells me, and I have to agree with it. Before, Tomas treated me kindly, that was one of the reasons I fell in love with him, he was always nice and sweet, chivalrous and attentive. Now he hates me because he believes I drugged him and treats me like the scum of the earth, while with her it's all tenderness and... Why does it have to hurt so much? I take a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears threatening to escape from my eyes. I don't want to make a scene in front of my boss. I breathe deeply again, discreetly, and look out the window. I'm becoming more convinced that this ridiculous marriage was a bad idea.

After several minutes of silence, we arrive at the company. When we reach our floor, I head straight to the bathroom. I wash my face with water and let out a sigh.

You need to calm down, Vivian. Forget what you saw, focus on your work.

I encourage myself, but unfortunately, the images come to me, and with them, Tomas' cruel words, and all the times I've been rejected and belittled by my mother. Tears flow from my eyes in cascades as all the pain of a loveless life hits me.

Why can't I be happy? What have I done wrong? What's wrong with me? Even my own father didn't want me, he abandoned me when I was just a child. My mother has never shown me love, I believe she even hates me, and the man I love despises me. What am I paying for? I just want... I just want love in my life.

The bathroom door opens and I turn around, wiping away my tears.

"Vivian, are you okay?" Pamela asks me.

"Yes, don't worry." I assure, trying to compose myself.

"Are you crying?" she asks worriedly.

"No, not at all, it's just... Just an allergy." I lie. "It will pass."

"Mr." Salvatierra said you felt sick to your stomach,"he asked me to come and check on you. Do you need anything?" she inquires, and I shake my head.

"No, I already feel better, don't worry. I just need a minute to fix my makeup, and then I'll get back to work."

"Hmm," he said if you're feeling really bad, you can go home, there's no inconvenience.

"No, there's no need, I already feel better." I turn around, finally facing the girl. "I'll just remove my makeup and come back." I open my purse and take out my small bag where I keep my makeup, wiping my face with some tissue papers I always carry, and I smile at Pamela.

"Alright, I'll let him know you're better." she announces and turns around. "Vivian, I know we've only known each other for a short time, but if you need any advice or maybe just someone to talk to, you can count on me. I'm a good listener." she says, and I look at her and nod.

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you very much." she smiles kindly, and now she leaves the bathroom. I look at my reflection in the mirror and inhale and exhale deeply.

After several seconds, I start applying my makeup.

Just like always, Vivian, push all those thoughts aside, forget them. Come on, get to work.

I finish and look at myself in the mirror, smile, and put everything away. You can do this, stay strong. With that thought in mind, I grab my bag and leave the bathroom.

Several hours later, almost finishing the workday, I am summoned by Mr. Salvatierra to his office.

"Tell me, sir," I say.

"I just received an invitation to a very important event," he comments, and I look at him confusedly. "Do you remember when I told you that as my assistant, you would have to accompany me to certain events if I requested it?" he asks with a serious look.

"Yes, sir, I remember perfectly."

"Well, this will be one of those events. It's an art exhibition, which can be a bit boring, but an excellent opportunity to hear business proposals, which is why I need you," he explains, and I nod.

"It will be taking place in a month and a half, so I hope you have it noted in your agenda."

"Yes, sir."

"Very well, you may now go home."

"Very well, thank you, sir. Good evening," I bid farewell and turn around.

"Miss Smith, would you like me to give you a ride home?"

"It's not necessary, sir. This time I will take a taxi. Thank you very much. See you tomorrow," I say and leave the office.

I arrived at the house and, as always, I was greeted by Carmen.

"Good evening, ma'am. How was your day?" she asked with seriousness, but in a friendly manner.

"The truth? Not very well," I replied as I walked towards the stairs.

"Did you have problems with your boss or a colleague?" she asked, following me.

"No, my problem is with..." I paused and sighed. "The same old thing, Carmen. You can imagine what I mean," I said, and she nodded. "I'm going to wash my hands and then I'll come down for dinner," I announced, and she nodded again.

Upon reaching my room, I took off my heels, headed to the bathroom and washed my hands. I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed. What happened today cannot happen again. I can't let my emotional problems affect my work, nor can I keep creating pathetic scenes. I left the bathroom, put on a pair of flat sandals, and exited the room. When I reached the middle of the stairs, Tomas crossed the threshold of the living room and stopped at the bottom. He smiled mockingly, passed by me without saying a word. I inhaled and continued down the stairs, walking towards the dining room where I took a seat. Seconds later, Carmen served my dinner, and just as she was about to leave, I stopped her.

"Carmen," I called, and she turned to look at me. "Bring me a glass of wine, please," I requested, and she nodded. "Wait, no, better bring me the bottle," she stood still, silently for several seconds, but eventually nodded.

"I'll bring it right away," she said, leaving the dining room. A few minutes later, she returned with a bottle of red wine and a glass, placing them on the table. She was about to pour for me, but I stopped her.

"No, I'll do it myself. Relax, go rest," I told her, and she nodded.

I poured myself half a glass and took a sip before continuing with my meal. After finishing dinner, I stood up, took the bottle of wine, the glass, and headed towards my room. I sat on the bed and poured myself another generous amount of the liquid, which I drank.

"Delicious!" I exclaimed, taking another sip. The glass quickly emptied, and I poured myself another. "Cheers to you, Vivian, for marrying a man you love, but who hates you. Oh, he does!" I drank more of the wine, moving onto the fourth and fifth glass until the bottle was finished.

"Oops, it's gone," I said, looking at the empty bottle. "Well then, I'll go get more."

I left the room and made my way to the stairs, but just at that moment, Tomas emerged from his room, dressed as if he were ready to go out. I smiled, and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you going out at this hour, dear husband?" I asked, stumbling towards him. "I... I suppose you're meeting your loved one."

"Are you drunk?" he asked, surprised.

"Yes, I think I am," I replied, pausing when I stood in front of him. "Any problem with that, hus...band?" I spelled out the last word, then burst into laughter. "It's funny to call you that."

"God, you've gone mad!" he muttered, attempting to pass by me and leave, but I stopped him by grabbing his arm. "What are you doing? Let go of me."

"What's the matter? Does it bother you if I touch you?" I asked and laughed.

"I'm not up for dealing with you in this state, Vivian," he said, and I laughed loudly.

"But you never want to deal with me in any state! I must hold the award for being the most ignored wife on this planet," I continued laughing, but the laughter gradually faded, turning into pain. "Why can't you love me? What does she have that I don't?" I asked. Tears began to stream down my face. Everything that had happened that day - his rejections and Jeimy's words about me needing to be more daring and bold - overwhelmed me. Desperation took over, and with alcohol clouding my judgment, I came up with the idea of standing in front of him, taking hold of his collar, and pulling him towards me, our lips meeting as I slipped my tongue into his mouth. I clung tightly to him, hoping that maybe his desire for me would awaken. However, all he did was grab my wrists and forcefully push me back, causing me to fall on the floor onto my backside. I looked at him, tears flowing from my eyes.

"Do not touch me again!" she screams at me, her eyes filled with hatred. "You disgust me, I loathe you, I would never be with you again, not even if you were the last woman on this planet." She walks past me, lowering her gaze as tears cascade down my face uncontrollably.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" I repeat to myself over and over again.

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