Episode 12

"Nonsense! You're coming with me right now, Alexander. My parents are very strict and I won't let you make me look bad," Lore grabs his hand and drags him towards the entrance.

"How do you feel?" Felipe asks, pouring the last of the wine from the bottle into Valentina's wine glass.

"Like new. I adore your honesty, Felipe," Valentina observes as he places the wine bottle at the center of the table.

"I'm glad to hear that, and that you accepted my proposal."

"How could I not? You can count on me, always, even if Alexander objects."

"I know you'll keep your word, Valentina. I think the wine's gone to my head because I feel kind of hot."

"Do you have a fever?" she looks at him oddly, feeling the wine's effects as well.

"No, not a fever," he smiles wickedly. "I feel like making love."

"Felipe!" Valentina grimaces in disgust.

"You said you like my honesty. I'll call someone to keep me company. If you wish, you can stay. This is your house, after all."

"No, no, it's best I leave. Thank you for everything."

"Run away then, coward," Felipe stands, extends his hand, and Valentina takes it for support to rise.

"I don't want to hear moans and see you eat in front of the poor man. It's best that I leave, even though I know my husband doesn't even need me."

"Everything will get better, you'll see."

"God, listen to you, Felipe. I'll see you tomorrow at the company, thanks again for everything," she hugs him, catching him off guard.

"Don't worry, take care of yourself, Valentina," he hugs her back tightly.

"The taxi's here!" Valentina exclaims, pulling away.

"When did you call for it?" Felipe looks at her strangely.

"Today's technology. I'm off, have a nice night and enjoy yourself."

Felipe laughs heartily.

"You're learning a lot."

"From the best. Now I'm off, have a nice night."

"You too, beautiful."

Valentina leaves the house and gets into the car to head back to the mansion, that cold and desolate mansion.

"What are your intentions with our daughter?" Lore's mother asks.

Alexander is silent and looks at his phone, Lore raises an eyebrow, so she hits Alexander under the table.

"Excuse me, ma'am... I have many problems at work, and I'm feeling tired."

"I understand, son. I'm a businessman too, but my wife doesn't get that men, like us, need to rest."

"The husband should always be there for his wife! So let's clear this up, because my daughter Lore needs a good husband who provides her with everything she needs."

"I understand, ma'am. Please don't take my words the wrong way," Alexander apologizes, but he can't focus.

"When is the wedding?" Mrs. Ballester fixes her gaze on Alexander.

"We plan to marry in three months, Mother."

"Perfect, but I want to know what Mr. Williams' aspirations are with you, daughter, because you're not short of suitors, and you need a good husband."

"We love each other, Mother. I know he's tired, but he is always a wonderful man to me. So we will marry and live together, have children, and everything will be perfect," Lore takes his hand.

At that moment, Alexander gets a call.

"Excuse me," Alexander answers.

"Sir, Mrs. Williams has left Mr. Felipe's house, she just took a taxi."

"Okay," Alexander hangs up, then stands.

"Where are you going, Alexander?" Lore asks, softening her voice, though she's very angry.

"I have to... go, I have an emergency."

"Let him go, daughter. When we're millionaires, these things happen. He said he's going to marry you, so later you can meet to plan the wedding."

"Lore, arrange it to your preference. Excuse me, have a good evening."

Alexander walks to the exit, and Lore follows him. Once at a distance, away from her parents' view, Lore grabs his hand.

"Alexander, you're acting strangely!" Lore frowns.

"You're hallucinating. See you tomorrow."

"And my kiss?" she asks.

Feeling her approach, Alexander places his hands on Lore's angelic face and leaves a chaste kiss on her forehead, leaving her longing for that kiss.

Alexander rushes back to the Williams mansion, entirely furious.

.

.

.

Valentina is enjoying a delightful shower in the bathtub, smiling as she recalls the conversation she had with Felipe, comforted by his presence.

Yet there's always that loneliness, the loneliness she wishes to turn into ceaseless company.

After a lengthy and thoughtful shower, Valentina steps out, drying her body with the white towel and then her hair. Her room is dark, the smell of cigarette smoke piquing her interest.

She moves towards the light switch, but freezes when she hears that demanding, deep voice, the one that made her skin tingle.

"What a beautiful time to come home, Mrs. Williams."

Valentina slowly turns around. At the other end of the room, by the large window, she can barely see Alexander sitting like a gentleman, smoking a cigarette, shirtless, wearing only his pants. Oh my, Valentina blinks at the sight of the sculpted man staring at her like a ravenous wolf. He rises and strides towards her.

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