Episode 12

They lived.

I feel someone moving me persistently, and I furrow my brow.

"Miss Vivian, Miss Vivian," I hear someone calling me, and I furrow my brow even more. "Miss Vivian, please wake up." Upon hearing that, I open my eyes and look at Carmen in front of me.

"What's wrong, Carmen?" I ask, and as I see her kneeling on the floor, I widen my eyes, then I realize that I am sitting on it. Did I sleep on the floor? What happened last night? I feel a throbbing headache and bring my hand to my head, making an effort to recall what happened.

Let me see, I was in my room drinking wine, and... The events of the previous night flash through my mind like a movie, and I gulp nervously.

"God, what a stupid mistake I made! How low have you fallen, Vivian?" I scold myself.

"What time is it?" I ask while trying to stand up but feeling a strong dizziness. Carmen holds me from behind. "Thank you."

"It's 8:30, Miss," she answers.

"Oh my goodness, I'll be late for work!" I exclaim and try to rush to my room, but I almost fall due to dizziness. Once again, Carmen helps me.

"Miss, I don't think you can go to work today," she comments, but I firmly refuse to miss work because of a hangover.

"No, Carmen, I can't do that," I say as we enter the room. "Just make me a strong cup of coffee, forget about breakfast." She nods, although I know she doesn't agree with me. I go into the bathroom and take a quick shower, then hastily choose my outfit. A semi-fitted dress with short sleeves in magenta color that reaches my knees, closed-toe beige high-heeled shoes, matching beige handbag, and finally, a gold-colored chain, earrings, and ring.

I have not combed my hair or put on makeup, I do that in the taxi. I descend hurriedly down the stairs and go to the kitchen, where Carmen has already prepared the coffee for me.

"Serve it in the thermos, please," I ask her, and she does so and hands it to me. "Thank you, see you later."

The doors of the elevator open, and I hurriedly step out of it, heading towards my desk and smiling at Pamela.

"Good morning, is Mr. Salvatierra here?" I ask as I take out my tablet from my purse.

"He's already in the office, asking about you. We thought you wouldn't come due to your discomfort," she replies.

"No, I just got up late. Had a rough night," I say and walk towards Mr. Salvatierra's office. I knock on the door and hear a "Come in."

I open the door and enter the room.

"Good morning, sir. Sorry for the delay," I apologize. He looks at me seriously, but doesn't seem to be upset.

"Why were you late, Miss Smith?"

"I had a rough night and ended up falling asleep late," I lie, feeling terrible.

"Was it due to your digestive problem?"

"Yes, that's right," this is embarrassing, but I'd rather have him believe I spent the whole night in the bathroom than admit I spent the night lying on the floor crying because my husband rejected me.

"And do you feel fine now?" he asks, and I nod. "Miss Smith, I value the efficiency of my employees, their sense of responsibility, and commitment to the company and their work. Likewise, I also appreciate them taking care of their health. If you're feeling unwell, you can take the day off and bring a medical excuse without any problem," he says, and I nod.

"I understand, and thank you for your concern, but I assure you I'm much better now," I say. He looks at me silently for several seconds and then sighs.

"Very well, then let's get to work. Take a seat. We need to organize some details for tomorrow's meeting with the shareholders," he says. I do as he asks, and we start planning everything.

"What the heck did he do to you? What an idiot!" Jeimy exclaims while tightly gripping her fork. We are enjoying our lunch, she called me earlier this morning. I suspect Carmen told Mrs. Caroll about how she found me this morning, and Mrs. Caroll in turn told Jeimy. And here we are now, I just finished telling her what happened the day and night before. "I sometimes think that someone brainwashed Tomas or something, maybe that woman did some strange work on him, you know, those ties that Maria talks about."

I furrow my brow upon hearing that.

"I highly doubt sophisticated Kendall would go along with those superstitions." I say, poking at my salmon a bit. "Tomas is just in love, I don't justify him throwing me to the floor, but rejecting me, yes, after all, I should have never done what I did, it was so stupid and humiliating."

"Oh, friend, don't say that! Don't beat yourself up, you just played a card that didn't work out, don't torment yourself anymore." she says calmly. "I fully believe that one of these days everything will change, just be patient."

I sigh and chew my food without enthusiasm, looking at my friend who smiles optimistically, and I have to say it annoys me a little. I don't know if she truly believes everything she's telling me.

"The truth is, Jeimy, I don't think things will ever change." I say, and she furrows her brow. "I think the best thing I can do for peace in my life is to..."

"Don't you dare!" she exclaims loudly, all the diners look at us and she smiles sheepishly. "Don't say such stupid things again, got it? You can't give up, Vivian, you can't throw in the towel like that." she sighs and takes my hand. "I know you're hurt right now, with your pride wounded, but you'll see it will pass soon, just give it time, don't even think of making such a drastic decision in this moment." she lets go of my hand and smiles at me affectionately, I smile and nod, not because I agree with her, but rather just to drop the subject for now.

The days quickly passed, and the day of the exhibition where I had to accompany Mr. Salvatierra arrived. It's 8:30 in the evening, the event starts at 9:30, and Mr. Salvatierra will pick me up at 9:00. I just arrived at the hair salon where they did my hair and makeup. I know how to do my own makeup and create a few nice hairstyles, but since it's the first event I'm attending with my boss, I want to look my best.

I take a relaxing shower, being careful not to ruin my makeup or hairstyle. Then, I put on my undergarments and finally my outfit: a form-fitting dress with thin straps and a sweetheart neckline. The neckline has a small triangular adventure in the middle. It's a burgundy color and falls just below my knees, with a side slit that goes halfway up my thigh. I pair it with silver high-heeled sandals and accessories of the same color, although not too flashy.

For my hairstyle, I have a woven braid on one side that ends in a low ponytail. The hair in the ponytail is curled, and a few strands at the front are left loose. As for makeup, I went for a slightly heavier look than usual. My eyebrows are perfectly painted and shaped, while my eyelids have a black eyeshadow with golden glitter mixed with a touch of burgundy. I applied a simple eyeliner and painted my lips in the same color as the dress.

I glance at the time on my watch, 8:55, just in time. I grab the small silver handbag and leave the room.

"You look beautiful, miss," Carmen says, and I smile, feeling a little embarrassed but grateful for the compliment.

"Thank you." Just then, my cellphone rings, and I quickly take it out of my bag and answer.

"Hello, Mr. Salvatierra, I'm ready."

"Very well, I'll be there in two minutes."

"Perfect." I end the call and put the phone away.

"Well, Carmen, she's coming to pick me up. Make sure everything is closed and rest well. I'll take the keys, so don't worry," I tell her, and she nods.

"Have a lovely evening, miss." I smile at her, feeling a bit puzzled.

"It's business, Carmen, not like I'm going on a date or something," I say. She smiles.

"One never knows," she comments, and I smile and shake my head. What does that even mean?

I don't dwell on Carmen's comment and peek through the window, realizing that Mr. Salvatierra has just arrived in his magnificent car.

"Alright, then. See you later," I say my goodbyes and leave the place.

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