Miss Palacios, awaiting her chance to retreat.
"Marco, this must be a joke, right? You couldn't have gotten married, let alone to someone as plain as she is," she said disparagingly, glancing at the beautiful Alexa.
"I am Mr. Lombardo to you. I truly detest people who concoct tales in their heads. I'm fed up with that kind of woman, so I'll make one thing clear: you're here because you are your father's daughter. I have never seen you in any light, and Alexa is the woman I love. She is the only one who sparks in me feelings that will never arise with you. I have no idea what grandeur you believe you hold, but make no mistake, I won't allow you to speak about my wife as though she is a nobody—do you understand? Now leave, before I forget who your father is and have you dismissed."
Mia stormed out of the office, speechless at that moment, but she was far from resigned. Marco was hers, and she wouldn't let anyone take him from her this time. Fuming, she entered her office and, two minutes later, emerged carrying her handbag.
Crossing paths with Marcelo, she informed him she felt unwell and would return the following day. He nodded, still unsettled by an earlier incident with Romina, and without much thought, continued on his way.
In the office, Marco embraced Alexa, who felt nothing but his profound love for her. She was pleased with his defense and care for her, despite her anger toward the woman who dared claim Marco. She had intended to confront him but, realizing they didn't even share a friendship, she held back her ire, considering it normal for someone to be smitten with Marco, given his striking looks. She reminded herself that this wouldn't be the last time such an encounter occurred, so she had to be more prepared in the future.
While safe in Marco's sturdy arms, Mia was headed to the mall, determined to relieve her stress through shopping, lavishly spending the money her father provided.
As she browsed the stores, one caught her eye. She walked in, smiling brightly at the displayed dresses. An upcoming company gala presented the perfect chance to enchant Marco, so she reached for a gorgeous dress. But as her hand touched the fabric, another hand also claimed it. Facing her competition, she was surprised by the woman before her, seeing it as fate playing to her advantage.
Turning to the woman, she feigned a smile and said, "Mrs. Maldonado, it's been so long."
*"Do I know you?"*
"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot. You and Mr. Lombardo are divorced."
*"That may be\, but it's only temporary. Marco has always loved me\, and any moment I decide to return\, he'll re-embrace me\,"* Monique boasted\, certain Marco would be hers again when she was ready to offer him a family.
Mia nearly laughed in her face. *(Idiot. She actually believes he will wait for her. How could she replace Marco for trash? But now\, she will play into my plans).* Her expression shifted to one of pity as she said\, "I'm sorry\, you might not know\, but Mr. Lombardo introduced his wife at the company today."
*"What are you talking about? Married? If that was true\, the press would be all over it. If Marco were married\, everyone would know about it."*
"Well, that's what he said today, but perhaps you're right, as there hasn’t been any public announcement. It was a pleasure seeing you. You're as beautiful as ever, and that dress will look stunning on you."
*"Thank you\, darling\, and I appreciate the information. I'll verify its truth today. As for the dress\, you're sweet\, but it will indeed look better on me. Have a lovely day\,"* said Monique\, walking away with the dress.
Mia chuckled as Monique left\, full of contempt. *(She's clueless\, thinking Marco will wait for her. She’s merely a pawn to breed mistrust between them\, after which I'll be the ever-helpful friend).* She knew she needed to strategize carefully.
Meanwhile, Monique couldn't understand why Marco would make such a foolish decision; he hadn’t done anything like this even when they married. The staff recognized her because they saw her with Marco, and she was in the news. She concluded it must be a hoax, a scheme.
Without a second thought, Monique headed to his mansion. The staff had changed, except for the housekeeper, who was loyal to her wretched mother-in-law. Nevertheless, she attempted an inquiry.
*"Excuse me\, can you tell me if the mistress of the house is—"* Before the housekeeper could respond\, a voice from the house called out\, "Why do you need to see my daughter-in-law?"
*"Romina\, what are you doing here? I thought you'd be traveling. But I'm so pleased to see you\, dear mother-in-law\,"* Monique played coy.
"Ha, what nonsense, you're no daughter-in-law of mine. You forget, you and my son are divorced, darling, and you're no longer welcome here."
*"You can't speak to me like that; you know nothing. Those were just rumors. I've always loved Marco\, and I know he loves me."*
"That's not true," boomed Marco's voice from the entrance.
Monique turned around, trying to seem vulnerable to Marco, but she nearly fainted when she saw him clutching a young woman by the waist.
*"Tell me it's not true\, my love."*
"Monique, I have no time for your foolishness. I gave you a generous sum to leave me be, so now go away. My wife and I have a lot to do." Without another word, Marco whisked Alexa away, leaving Monique behind them.
Stunned, Monique stood frozen. That girl of all people—she, above anyone else, knew how important she was to him. Was it because of her father, or had Marco been attracted to her from the start?
"Goodbye, Monique. I hope not to see you again," said Romina, returning to the house with her housekeeper.
*Curses...*
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