Episode 11

As soon as Brian left, I got up and went to the kitchen. I spent the morning helping Dona Maria; at least that way I occupied some of my time.

Time flew by and it was already lunchtime. As I was about to sit down, crazy Pamela walked through the door.

“Good morning, sister-in-law! How are you? Miss me?” she said cheerfully, hugging me.

“Good morning. Of course I did!” I said, returning her hug.

“That's great. What are you doing sitting there? Let’s go upstairs. I’m going to get you ready and then we’re going shopping!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands excitedly.

“But I need to eat first. Like my mother used to say, ‘an empty sack cannot stand upright,’” I said with a laugh.

“Of course you're going to eat, but not here. We’re going to visit your new property and have lunch with your husband.”

“What property?”

“Well, my brother’s company. Come on, I’m excited to show you everything,” she said, taking my hand and pulling me up the stairs.

We arrived in my room. I sat on the bed and waited for her to come back. She had gone to find, as she put it, the perfect outfit for me.

She entered the room as cheerful as ever. If there's anyone happier than this crazy girl in the world, I don't know them!

She came closer to the bed and placed the outfit next to me. When I saw it, I was in love… but I tried to find the courage to wear it. I’d never worn such tight clothes.

“Pamela, I don't know if I can wear this. Look at me… I don’t even have the body for this,” I said dejectedly, remembering everything my stepmother and stepsister had said about me.

“What do you mean you ‘don’t even have the body?’ Are you crazy? Your body is perfect! Come on, let's go get you dressed, and throw this low self-esteem away,” she said, pulling me to the bathroom.

I went into the bathroom and hurried to get dressed, because my stomach was already telling me it wanted food. I chuckled to myself.

I came out of the bathroom, and my crazy friend gasped dramatically.

(Ana’s outfit)

“See? Who doesn't have a beautiful body? You look beautiful,” she said, looking at me.

“This outfit is really beautiful, but I don't know how to walk in heels, Pamela.”

“I watched you at the wedding, and yes you do! We’ll just practice some more. But don't worry, you’ll do great today.”

“What if your brother is busy? What if he gets mad that we went there?”

“Mad? You can be sure that he won't be. When he sees you looking so stunning, he’ll be thanking his lucky stars… ”

“Pamela…” I said, embarrassed.

“What is it, girl? You’re married to the most coveted man in Spain! You need to mark your territory! Let’s go,” she said, laughing.

We grabbed our purses and headed towards the company. I was very afraid of getting there and seeing something I didn't want to see. My father was always with women at his company, and every time my mother went to visit him, she would come back sad because she would always catch him with someone. I didn’t want the same future for myself. I knew Brian and I didn’t love each other, but I hoped he at least had respect for me.

After a few minutes, we arrived. As I got out of the car, I was shocked by the size of the building in front of me. Oh my god…

“Welcome, Mrs. Salvatore,” Pamela said excitedly.

We got out of the car and entered the building. As soon as I arrived in the lobby, the receptionist looked at me with disdain. I didn’t understand why.

But before I could greet her, Pamela pulled me to a private entrance, where there was an elevator. We went up to the top floor and, as soon as the door opened, we came face to face with a room. Or rather, before the room, there was a desk with a secretary, who I assumed to be his secretary. When I saw her, I felt even more insecure. The woman was young and pretty… what would stop him from being with women like that? Nothing at all.

Pamela’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Hey, what are you thinking so much about?”

“It's nothing. I was just observing how beautiful it is here.”

“That’s true, my brother has always invested heavily in this company. It's always been his dream, ever since he was a child,” she said, walking towards the room.

“Good afternoon, Miss Pamela. I apologize, but I can’t let you in. Mr. Salvatore’s orders. He said no one should disturb him. And visitors by appointment only,” the secretary said in a mocking tone, looking at me. I noticed Pamela give her a withering look.

“Honey, after all this time here, haven't you learned yet? I don’t need to make an appointment to talk to my brother. I come whenever I feel like it. Oh, and you better remember my sister-in-law’s face too, so you don’t make the mistake of being rude to her again. Because I’m pretty sure my brother won’t like to know that someone treated his wife badly.”

“I can’t…” the secretary began.

Pamela didn’t let her finish her sentence.

“Have a great day, Susana,” she said, heading for the room. The secretary trailed after her.

The moment we started walking towards the room, my heart was pounding. I was afraid of what I might see, but at the same time, I was trying to pretend I was calm. There was a storm raging inside me.

Pamela opened the door.

“Surprise, little brother!”

“You still haven't learned to knock before entering, have you?” Brian said sarcastically.

“Sir, I’m so sorry, I couldn't stop them,” the secretary said, shrinking under Brian’s surprised gaze.

“You have to train your employees better! The very idea of them trying to prevent me and my sister-in-law from entering!” Pamela huffed, sitting down in the armchair.

“It's okay, Susana. My wife and my sister are allowed access any time,” Brian said, looking at me.

“But, sir…” the secretary began, but Pamela didn’t let her finish.

“You heard her, didn’t you? ‘Any time,’” she said, staring the secretary down. The secretary returned her gaze with equal venom.

“You can leave us, Susana,” Brian said.

She went, fuming with displeasure.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***