Episode 2

Alexander made a gesture of distaste.

"You apparently want it too," he said.

"Me?" Valentina frowned, tears streaming down her cheek, "What I want most is to have your love, but you... you're already looking to divorce me to rush into the arms of your lover."

"Great! I'm glad you know. It saves us from having a silly conversation."

"Silly? You're heartless! Didn't you come to appreciate me at all?" Valentina felt as if a knife was plunging through her heart.

"I never felt anything for you; you're not my type. You're too intense. I married out of obligation for an heir; you couldn't even give me a child."

"You only touched me once, damn it!" she screamed with all her might, leaving Alexander dumbfounded. "It was my first time, and you were a brute! Is that how you wanted me to have your child?"

"What you won't do to me, you do to your mistress. I wish you had once made me moan the way you did to her just hours ago in your office. I wish I had ever heard you gasp with pleasure, but no, you despise me! And I... I was also forced to marry you."

Alexander Williams is stunned.

"You want to divorce me to run to the arms of that woman, she loves you and you love her, while I... I... Alexander, didn't you feel any remorse? I'm the one who takes care of your things, your diet, I live more for you than for myself, and you don't love me?"

"I could never love a woman like you! I can't tell you how much I long to divorce you and give Lore the place she deserves. I loved Lore long before I met you, but my father forced me to marry you, a woman I only despise, because Lore was supposed to be my one and only wife. You ruined everything!"

Valentina felt the knife pierce her heart again with that confession.

"You can't divorce me, even if you want to. It's stipulated that you can't do it unless I agree."

"I refuse to be tied for life to a woman like you! I suggest you sign the divorce papers so we can end this charade."

"I won't sign! I won't do it just so you can run to the arms of that woman."

"Then I will make your life a living hell!"

"You always have!" she cried out in agony.

"Then give me the damn divorce!"

Valentina begins to cry, and all she feels is the urge to run to her room.

"Valentina!" Alexander growls and chases after her, but she manages to lock herself in the bedroom they share. It was a strict order from the boss; if Alexander didn't comply, he wouldn't be put in charge of the construction company. "Valentina!" he bangs on the door loudly. "Open up, damn it!" he shouted arrogantly.

Valentina enters the bathroom, turns on the faucet, and lets the water run over her body, soaking even the beautiful dress she was going to wear to break the news that she had been studying business administration online to work alongside him and spend more time together.

She is completely drenched.

"What do I do if I love him...? I love my husband, God help me," she pleads as she slides down the cold marble wall. "What do I do?" she clings to her legs while the water continues pouring over her body.

Many thoughts wander through Valentina's mind, making her cry out of despair.

Meanwhile, Alexander is in a devilish rage, needing only to divorce Valentina to be with the woman he loves, but Valentina will not yield to his demands.

The next day, Valentina is still sleeping and doesn't feel like getting up, especially since it's Sunday, the day her in-laws come for a family lunch. She always has everything ready on time, impeccable, but this time, her in-laws don't see what they expect every Sunday.

"Isn't there anyone in this house?" the boss speaks aloud.

"Good morning, Father," Alexander greets him, though upset, his parents must not know that he is seeking a divorce from Valentina.

"Good morning, dear. Where is Valentina?" his mother asks.

"She... is still sleeping."

"How could that be? Could it be that there's a baby on board? Women tend to sleep more when they're pregnant," Alexander's mother gets excited.

"Don't get your hopes up. She's just tired. I'll go get her, please wait a moment."

Alexander's parents exchange puzzled glances since Valentina is usually the first to greet them.

Alexander pounds on the door.

"Come in," Valentina commands as she looks in the mirror. He thought she was still asleep, even though she had just woken up.

"My parents have arrived," he informs her.

"I know," she replies, fixing her hair, her eyes no longer sparkling at the sight of her husband.

She walks past Alexander, but he grabs her arm.

"Be careful with what you do," he warns her.

Valentina pulls away from his grip, and without another word, they leave the room, Alexander behind her, discontented with Valentina's attitude.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Williams. I apologize for the delay," Valentina greets them with a smile.

"Good morning, dear. It's unlike you not to be here when we enter. Are you alright?" Mrs. Williams asks.

"Yes," she lies. But Mrs. Williams senses something is wrong. "I regret not receiving you as you deserve today. Please go ahead; I will call a chef to prepare a delicious lunch, as I feel a bit under the weather."

"What's the matter, dear?" the boss asks.

"Today is an important day for your son, Alexander. A day he has been eagerly awaiting. So... Dear, I hope you should be the one to break the great news to your parents," Valentina swallows hard. She has always been so reserved, but that betrayal and confession brutally wounded her heart. And maybe that's what filled her with courage because she has endured enough.

"What's this news, son?" Alexander's mother asks, all eyes fixed on him.

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