Episode 2

Carla.

I had never prepared myself for something like this. I had devoted several years of my life to studying, and boy, I thought I was smart. How was it possible that something like this was happening to me? With how careful and distrustful I was, at what point had that bastard deceived me in such a way?

I knew that woman perfectly well. It was Sofia, I had known her since university. She had studied with Mauricio and they had graduated together.

My mind was a complete mess. I still don't know how I managed to restrain myself from approaching and punching that son of a bitch in the face.

After witnessing such a scene and feeling like the other woman, I drove to the city center. I needed to clear my mind. The place was bustling, but I still felt lonely, so I parked and got out of the car. I didn't know where to go or who to turn to. I walked for a while until I reached a park, which was somewhat deserted. I sat down and cried, releasing all the pain that I carried within me. In the blink of an eye, my perfect life had crumbled.

"Carla," a familiar voice said, though I hadn't heard it in years.

I looked up and found myself met with Alexa's brown eyes - my best friend, the one I had grown up with. But I hadn't seen her in years.

In her eyes, I saw concern. She looked somewhat different, like a true professional, much more mature.

"Alexa," I whispered.

Seeing my state, she hugged me. Oh, how much I needed that embrace. It felt like going back to our teenage years, consoling each other after a breakup.

"What's wrong, dear?" she asked, once she let go of me.

"My life is a mess," I confessed. I couldn't lie to her.

"Come on, let's go home," she said.

"Do you live nearby?" I asked.

She took my hand and pulled me along. I had missed her so much. After my marriage to Mauricio, she distanced herself, and over time, we stopped talking.

"Yes, just two blocks away. I was taking Tito for a walk," she replied, pointing to the little puppy by her side.

Just as she had said, her house was only two blocks away. It was beautiful, smaller than mine, but very cozy.

Upon entering, I could feel the warmth. In every corner, I could see her personal touch, with brown and yellow colors everywhere.

"Do you live alone?" I asked, while observing everything.

"Yes," she shouted from the kitchen.

A few minutes later, she returned with two glasses and a bottle of wine. She lit the fireplace, and we sat down on the carpet.

"Now, tell me," she said.

For a moment, I had forgotten about the mess of a life I had. I wished it was all a dream and that everything would be fine when I woke up, but it wasn't. This was the harsh reality - I had been deceived for years. The man I considered to be the most wonderful person had turned out to be a complete idiot.

I told my friend in great detail about my life over the past five years. She listened attentively, expressing anger, sadness, and anger through her gestures.

"I knew he was a complete idiot," she said before hugging me.

"I've missed you," I told her.

"I missed you too, friend," she said, wiping away my tears.

That's how we spent the night, until midnight. We had consumed about three bottles of wine, but I was still composed. It seemed my alcohol tolerance was good, while Alexa was already acting crazy, dancing without music and laughing at anything.

The truth was, seeing her again made me feel good. I still don't know why she distanced herself, but we'll have time to talk about that.

That night, I decided to stay at her house. The truth was, I didn't have the strength or desire to confront Mauricio. So, for now, I would avoid him.

...

Before going to bed, Carla sent a message to her parents, informing them of her whereabouts. She didn't want to, but she did the same with Mauricio. She didn't want to give him any warning. She would think of the best way to confront him later. Carla and Alexa slept like when they were girls, having their slumber parties.

...

Mauricio.

I met Carla at law school, where she always stood out among everyone. She was a highly competitive woman who detested being recognized solely as Antonio Montiel's daughter, one of Manhattan's top lawyers. So, she constantly proved that she was more than just her last name, that she was more than Antonio Montiel's daughter.

Our relationship evolved over the months. I liked her, knowing that being with her could help me achieve my goals quickly and securely. Hence, I decided to make her my wife. Some may think I am a scoundrel, but both of us would benefit. She would be with the man she loves, and I would attain the power and recognition I desired.

I did end up achieving all of that, but I hated being in Antonio's shadow. I despised being recognized solely as Antonio Montiel's son-in-law, even though it meant leaving Sofia, the love of my life, behind to acquire everything. We spent a year apart until I coincidentally bumped into her at an event. Of course, I was with Carla, and Sofia was there with her boss, the owner of a small law firm in Los Angeles.

As soon as I had the chance, I approached her. In her eyes, I saw that she still loved me as much as I loved her. So, without being seen, I took her hand and spirited her away from that place. There was a hotel nearby where we became one again. It was complete madness, but I loved her like I would never love anyone else.

From that day on, I couldn't stop seeing her. Two months later, I married Carla. Sofia suffered because of my marriage, but I explained to her why I did it. At first, she wanted nothing to do with me, but eventually, she understood.

With Carla, things are calm. She is a wonderful woman, but I do not love her. She was only a stepping stone to achieve my goals. I know she doesn't deserve any of this. She has been a devoted and loving wife, not to mention her incredible ability to give me pleasure—it's magnificent.

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