Episode 7

Christian barely closed his eyes for the entire night, his thoughts consumed by Elisa and the moment she would arrive at his house. In the morning, he woke early, got a haircut and a shave, and took a long, hot shower.

He relayed all the necessary instructions to Thompson and gave the order for Elisa to be brought directly to him after the signing. Christian was aware that this was not a true "marriage." Legally, yes, but within the walls of their home, they would be like strangers. Despite this, he couldn't help but smile like a lovestruck teenager.

After getting ready, he went downstairs for breakfast.

Christian: "Good morning, Sol!"

Soledad: "Good morning, dear. You woke up in high spirits. Wonderful!"

Christian: "Ah, Sol, today I'm on cloud nine!"

Soledad: "Is the young lady arriving today?"

Christian: "Yes, have you prepared her room?"

Soledad: "Yes, I even changed the bedding again today!"

Christian: "And the things I asked you to buy?"

Soledad: "Everything is organized, son. But are you sure you're doing the right thing?"

Christian's smile instantly vanished.

"I think so, yes. Please just respect my decisions. I have a lot of respect for you, Sol, and I care about you deeply, but I ask that you don't interfere in my affairs, okay?"

Soledad simply nodded in agreement and returned to the kitchen.

After breakfast, Christian went to his office to take care of some pending work matters.

…

Around 10:30 in the morning, Thompson sent a message saying that he was on his way with Elisa. Christian nearly fainted from anxiety. He didn't even recognize himself!

A knock at the door brought him back to reality.

"Come in!"

It was Rodrigo, his friend and brother-in-arms from their time in the army.

Rodrigo: "Good morning, Chris!"

Christian: "Good morning, brother!"

Rodrigo: "And so, how's your plan going? Did it work?"

Christian smiled in response. He got up and poured drinks for both of them, then stood by the large window in his office.

Christian: "I'm a married man, my friend!"

Rodrigo: "Well then, congratulations! I hope you'll be very happy!"

Christian couldn't even hide it, he was grinning at the walls.

Rodrigo: "Judging by your face, I take it there's something happening tonight?"

Christian laughed.

"We'll see, right? Although the girl will probably be scared when she sees that her husband is old enough to be her father."

Rodrigo: "Age is just a number, and you're a handsome man. She'll fall head over heels, I'm sure of it!"

Christian: "God, I hope you're right, my friend. I know I'll need a lot of patience, but I'm going to fight for this girl."

Rodrigo: "She must be feeling very alone, especially after her mother left!"

Rodrigo, a private investigator, was the one who uncovered everything about Elisa. He also worked for Christian, the kind of friend who would do anything for him. Rodrigo was 35 years old and had been divorced for eight years. Since then, he had dedicated himself solely to work. Sure, he had flings, but nothing serious, just casual sex.

Christian: "What kind of mother abandons her daughter like that? Alright, she might have been angry with Eduardo, but to abandon her daughter? I can't forgive that!"

…

Elisa was silent for the entire journey, lost in her thoughts. At times, Thompson would glance at her through the rearview mirror, but she remained distant.

The drive lasted almost an hour. Christian's house was located a bit outside the city, within a luxurious gated community surrounded by a vast expanse of greenery. The houses were quite spread apart, and even the air felt different, lacking the heavy pollution of the city.

The weather was overcast, threatening rain at any moment. Finally, Thompson pulled the car to a stop in front of a large iron gate.

Thompson: "We're here!"

Elisa, who had been almost dozing off, was startled.

After a minute, the gates swung open. Elisa was impressed by the place, especially the house. It was enormous and luxurious.

Thompson: "Welcome to your new home, ma'am!"

Elisa took in the details. The house was magnificent, with gardens in the front and numerous coconut trees that added a certain charm.

A house employee approached and opened the car door for Elisa. As she stepped out and took in her surroundings, her eyes fell upon the house and she noticed someone observing her from above. A shiver ran down her spine, and she quickly averted her gaze, turning towards the front door.

A middle-aged woman with a warm smile on her face came to greet her. She introduced herself as the housekeeper.

Elisa: "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Elisa."

Soledad: "Elisa, what a beautiful name. Come in, let's go inside. It looks like rain."

The two of them entered, and Elisa was enchanted by the house. She had no idea what the man she had married was like, but she loved the home's decor. She found it very tasteful. The house was airy, with large glass windows and chic furnishings. Light-colored sofas and curtains, paintings by famous artists adorned the walls, and a few potted plants were scattered throughout the house. However, there were no pictures of Christian. Deep down, Elisa was curious to see him.

Soledad: "Let me show you your room!"

They ascended the stairs to the upper floor where the bedrooms were located. There were several, but Elisa's, like Christian's, was a master suite, and they were situated next to each other.

Soledad: "This is Chris's room, and yours is right next door."

Elisa breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have a room to herself.

Soledad: "Make yourself comfortable. I'll come and get you for lunch."

Elisa entered her room and placed her bag on the bed. It was all very strange; she didn't know this man, and now she was in his house, practically living with him. A wave of sadness washed over her as she thought, "This is my life now."

...

Christian, unable to contain his anxiety any longer, paced back and forth in his office.

Rodrigo: "Calm down, man! You look like a caged lion!"

Christian: "I can't help it, Rodrigo! I need to see her, talk to her..."

Just then, they heard the front door open and close.

Christian: "She's here!"

Without a second thought, Christian rushed out of his office, leaving Rodrigo behind with a knowing smile. He descended the stairs two at a time, his heart pounding in his chest, eager to finally meet his wife.

…

After showing Elisa to her room, Soledad went downstairs to the living room where Christian was practically vibrating with anticipation.

Soledad: "She's lovely, Christian. So delicate."

Christian: "I'd like to see her. Can you ask her to come down?"

Soledad: "Of course, dear. I'll let her know."

Christian adjusted his tie nervously, his eyes fixed on the staircase, waiting for Elisa to appear. A few minutes later, he saw her slowly descending the steps. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes, though filled with a hint of sadness, were captivating. She was even more beautiful than he had imagined. Time seemed to stand still as Christian laid eyes on his young bride.

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